If you’re a business owner, you know website content is constantly changing, and SEO is no exception. Google makes frequent updates and changes to ensure the ability to optimize websites and enhance reader experiences. However, the new March 2024 Google Core Update brings uncertainty and enormous changes for many website owners. Here’s what we know about the newest Google Core Update and how it may impact your business.
Why Does Google Do Updates?
Everything runs smoother when optimized for better function. Home appliances need deep cleaning, and HVAC systems operate better with bi-annual maintenance. The same idea is true for search engines and websites. Google rolls out periodic updates to ensure optimization, search quality, and relevance.
Another reason for frequent updates is to fix spam and security vulnerabilities. These updates protect against security leaks and spam that interfere with website function. Part of the update process helps Google catch low-quality content and update algorithms. Small business owners who manage their websites should be aware of frequent updates and how they can affect online visibility.

What Is the Google Core Update?
Google rolled out a new update with weekly steps in March 2024. This update consisted of core and spam updates that impacted spam policies and algorithm site rankings. Google makes updates several times a year to ensure reliable results for readers. While core updates aim to ensure overall website optimization and rankings, the latest update from Google may differ. Most business owners know about frequent updates and how they can affect SEO. However, this update is providing different results than past updates.
Some Important Things To Consider About the Update
You are not alone if you’ve been keeping up with website management and are unaware of Google updates. Many small business owners do all they can to build and maintain solid resources for their customers, but they do not realize how much goes on behind the scenes in the SEO world. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. Most website owners are still navigating the changes, and the WPamplify team is here to help break down the steps. Here’s what we know about the latest update.
Authenticity Is Key
Although Google runs frequent updates, the algorithms don’t always catch all websites. The new update, however, aims to catch spam content, low-quality, and questionable optimization techniques. Some websites receive manual penalties, while others don’t appear in search results. Could specific AI strategies or a lack of the crucial E-E-A-T method play a key role in website ranking? We’ll talk more about this in a moment.
The Deindexing Disappointment
If you’ve experienced the sudden disappearance of your website, you are not the only one. Many website owners discovered their website wasn’t turning up in the search results after the recent update. Google previously mentioned a goal of “cleaning out” low-quality or unoriginal content from their index. That’s just what the update did. Websites that didn’t adhere to Google’s guidelines or SEO techniques received a penalty or were deindexed.
Prompt Penalties And Removals
Unlike previous updates, many business owners have noticed quick and severe penalties, some of which were puzzling. After typing their website into the search engine, some people discovered their website didn’t appear. Since algorithm updates are automated, most website owners had no idea their site was leaving. On the other hand, the update prompted other websites to appear further down the SERPs (search engine results page).
Out With The Old
As a small business owner, you understand the challenges of keeping up with website content. It takes time to ensure current content and resources for your customers. Google understands this, too, and notices content that may seem untrustworthy. This type of content could mean errors, broken links, or low E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, trustworthiness). Websites that use excessive AI or have excessive errors catch Google’s attention and can incur swift penalties.
AI Isn’t Always The Answer
AI (artificial intelligence) is all the rage with many website owners, but that’s not true with Google. As a tool that can perform automated skills, it’s helpful in many ways but not for SEO. Google has noticed this, and in the most recent update, it cracked down hard on AI content sites, even the small ones. If websites publish multiple articles a day, it raises a red flag. Also, websites that use AI and don’t include external links or authentic content may receive penalties. The goal isn’t to target AI content but to reduce repetitive and invaluable content.
Quality Over Quantity Will Stand Out
Everyone wants to read relatable, authentic, and quality content. Google understands this and created the most recent update to filter out old and repetitive website content, including those with low security. Websites with duplicated or insufficient content faced repercussions with manual penalties or removal from the index. Creating original content that serves readers will boost SEO and help prevent future issues with Google updates.

How Can Businesses Move Forward?
The key takeaway from the latest Google update is that authentic and valuable content means more than generating a lot of writing for your website. If you experienced an issue after the update or you’re afraid you may have one soon, don’t worry. You can do a comprehensive website audit to help determine which parts of your website need improvement. Here are a few essential steps for long-term improvement, functionality, and SEO.
Commit To Adapt
We understand change is hard, especially if you’ve developed a content creation or website management flow. However, the most successful businesses are the ones that make positive changes for the long haul. A few things that can make this happen are:
- Website auditing
- Creating quality content
- Enhancing reader experience
Google’s algorithms notice weak spots in SEO, preventing your website from appearing at the top of the SERPs. Implementing small changes in your content and website structure can help Google take notice of your hard work and boost your visibility.
Implement E-E-A-T
Original and high-quality content is an essential part of search engine optimization. Avoiding penalties and deindexing is possible with the E-E-A-T method. It shows your readers you have experience and knowledge in your field and care about sharing that information with them. Part of this method includes appropriately citing your resources to add authority to your voice. Here’s how you can make this happen.
Experience
People want to know they’re getting quality information from something with experience. For example, someone searching for “lawn care maintenance” or “functional medicine” wants someone with experience. Crafting content to reflect your experience will go a long way, including an “about us” page or personal experiences to enhance the reader’s experience.
Expertise
While some people may view expertise as the same as experience, Google views them differently. It’s important to show knowledge in your field by using credentials, citing sources, or including studies on your website and within your content. For example, if you own a mechanic shop, you need to prove you have credentials and training in the field of mechanics. Doing these steps will help Google notice your use of E-E-A-T and index you as a higher-quality website.
Authoritativeness
Have you read content on other websites with reputable links to enhance their topics? This provides authority in their field and boosts online visibility. Consistently publishing valuable content, including established and well-recognized sites, will increase your authority with readers and Google.
Trustworthiness
Every high-quality and authoritative website should have a content page that includes your contact and customer service information. Making yourself available to answer questions and concerns goes a long way with readers and helps you rank high in the search engines. Google also notices when websites follow ethical content guidelines and maintain a strong reputation through their content. Google recognizes high-quality content creators has trustworthy sources and will rank them high in the SERPs.
A Note About AI and E-E-A-T
Earlier in this article, we mentioned specific AI techniques and how they may affect Google rankings. E-A-T has been a crucial tool for many years, and Google has recently included “experience” as part of this tool. Websites that rely on AI may have difficulty showcasing the “experience” side of this tool in their content. In the recent update, Google cracked down on websites that contained repetitive AI content and lacked clear experience and authority.
While Google doesn’t discourage using AI, it highly recommends human eye editing to ensure accuracy, helpfulness, and quality guidelines. Small businesses that use AI should plan extensive editing by human eyes to make sure the content meets Google’s guidelines.

Let Us Help You Navigate SEO
Keeping up with Google core updates should have to feel overwhelming. Small business owners should spend more time meeting their customers’ needs rather than managing website details. Having an SEO partner to enhance website optimization and increase online presence can improve customer service and give you peace of mind.
The WPamplify team specializes in unique SEO strategies that promote using E-E-A-T for your website and grow your business. Contact our team today for a quote and learn more about our services.