In the ever-changing world of Google algorithms, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest updates. The March 2024 core update has been particularly volatile, leaving many website owners wondering how to navigate the aftermath. If you find yourself in this situation, fear not! We’ve compiled a list of six essential steps to help you strategize and move forward after a Google core update.
Step 1: Assess the impact on your site
The first step is to determine how the latest update has affected your site. Start by looking at your search visibility using tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, or Sistrix. This will give you an overview of any obvious changes in visibility. However, it’s important to dig deeper and analyze metrics such as traffic, rankings, and Google Search Console data to get a comprehensive understanding of the update’s effects.
Step 2: Evaluate the market and gain industry insight
Once you’ve analyzed your site, it’s important to assess the bigger picture. Look for changes in the search engine results pages (SERPs) for your key terms. Keep an eye out for new competitors, changes in featured snippets, or other SERP features. Additionally, monitor your competitors to understand what strategies are working for them. Stay informed by following reputable SEO blogs, forums, and industry news sources to keep up with the latest trends.
Step 3: Isolate the bad and the good
After identifying the overall impact of the update, it’s time to determine which areas of your website have been affected. Segment your data by device, location, user behavior, content type, and quality to gain a deeper understanding of what factors are influencing your performance. Compare your performance with that of your competitors to identify common factors. If you’re experiencing an overall downturn, conduct a thorough review to identify any widespread problems with your website or SEO strategy.
Step 4: Review areas for improvement
Once you’ve identified areas that need improvement, conduct a thorough review of your content quality, technical SEO elements, and user experience. Assess the quality of your content based on Google’s guidelines and identify any thin or duplicate content. Audit your site for technical SEO issues such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawlability. Finally, evaluate your user experience metrics and conduct user testing if necessary.
Step 5: Review your strategy and plan
Based on your analysis, it’s time to review your SEO strategy and determine whether any shifts need to be made. If certain areas of your site have suffered after the update, prioritize them in your plan for improvement. Conversely, if you’ve noticed positive gains in certain areas, identify what strategies have worked and apply them to other sections of your site. Plan for recovery by creating an achievable action plan and staying consistent with your long-term goals.
Step 6: Communicate with stakeholders
The final step is to communicate with key stakeholders about the update’s impact and your plans for improvement. Prepare a summary report that highlights the key points from your analysis and circulate it to all necessary parties. Explain your plans and strategies, address any concerns, and set realistic expectations for the future. Keep stakeholders updated on your progress and continue to monitor and analyze data to track improvements over time.
In conclusion, navigating the aftermath of a Google core update can be challenging, but by following these six essential steps, you can strategize and move forward with confidence. Remember to stay calm, stay methodical, and communicate well with all stakeholders involved. With consistent effort and a focus on improvement, you can overcome the challenges posed by algorithm updates and set your website up for long-term success.
