The Impact of the March 2024 Core Update: Unpredictable Turbulence Lies Ahead
The SEO community is buzzing with speculation about the impact of the March 2024 core update and the spam update that occurred around the same time. With conflicting opinions on which sites were affected and what actions should be taken, it’s important to approach this situation with caution.
Google has advised SEOs to be patient and let the update play out. The search engine giant acknowledges that there is a significant amount of volatility and reversals happening at the moment. While anecdotal evidence should be taken with a grain of salt, there are some interesting observations that can provide context for the March 2024 core update.
Google had already warned that the March 2024 Update would be prolonged and that there would be more fluctuations in rankings compared to regular core updates. The first significant spike in rank volatility was observed on March 9, followed by two additional peaks on March 15 and 19.
However, it’s important to note that not every fluctuation is a reversal. Some sites are experiencing upward movements in rankings, while others are seeing a decline. It’s expected that some of these rank trajectories will reverse themselves, while others will remain stable.
Several examples illustrate this pattern. For instance, Allstate initially experienced a ranking loss on March 9 but saw a bounce back on March 19, followed by another loss on March 20, and another bounce back on March 21. Mousesavers.com also showed a pre-update spike, which was reversed by the volatility of the March 2024 core update.
Interestingly, some reversals seem to be related to user experience (UX) and content. This is evident in cases where sites that offer valuable information but have poor UX experience fluctuations in rankings. It’s unclear whether these reversals have a deeper meaning or are simply a result of the ongoing update.
The March 2024 core update has also caused some odd volatility. In some cases, Google has replaced the entire set of results from position 20 and up. This reshuffling of the SERP has occurred multiple times, indicating that the update is not a one-off event. This pattern is unusual compared to previous core updates and suggests that there may be ongoing adjustments to the search results.
Overall, the March 2024 core update is a long and volatile one. It’s important to heed Google’s advice to remain patient and calm during this period. Many sites and pages will likely experience multiple reversals before the update settles. Therefore, it’s too early to determine the impact of the update and where individual sites stand.
In conclusion, buckle up for safety and be prepared for the unpredictable turbulence that lies ahead with the March 2024 core update. It’s a rollercoaster ride that requires patience and a cautious approach.
