Google rolled out its March 2023 core update, a routine algorithm adjustment that aims to improve the quality of search results. These updates often create ripples across the digital landscape, affecting websites’ rankings and traffic. In this article, we’ll analyze the winners and losers of this update and discuss key takeaways for SEO professionals and content creators.
What is a Core Update?
Core updates are significant changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems. Unlike smaller updates, which may target specific issues (e.g., spam or page experience), core updates impact how Google evaluates content overall. The March 2023 core update aimed to refine how the search engine identifies and ranks high-quality content.
Key Changes Observed
Focus on Content Quality:
The update further emphasized E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
Websites that demonstrated comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information fared better.
Shift in Industry Rankings:
Industries like finance, health, and technology saw significant volatility due to Google’s ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and prioritize authoritative sources.
Improved User Intent Understanding:
The update refined Google’s ability to match content with user intent, favoring pages that align closely with searcher needs.
Winners of the March 2023 Core Update
Authoritative Websites:
Established brands with a strong digital presence and high E-E-A-T scores, such as government, educational, and well-known health sites, experienced ranking boosts.
Examples: Mayo Clinic, Investopedia, and official government portals saw increased traffic due to their credibility and in-depth content.
Niche Content Creators:
Websites focusing on specialized topics—with detailed, unique, and actionable insights—gained visibility.
Blogs and community-driven platforms offering value to specific audiences were among the beneficiaries.
User-Centric Design:
Websites with fast loading times, intuitive navigation, and mobile responsiveness enjoyed improved rankings.
Losers of the March 2023 Core Update
Thin Content Sites:
Websites with low-quality, outdated, or overly generic content saw steep declines in rankings.
Affiliate and Ad-Heavy Websites:
Pages stuffed with affiliate links or ads, offering little original value, were deprioritized.
Examples: Several affiliate marketing websites suffered traffic losses due to poor user experience.
Untrustworthy Sources:
Sites with questionable authority, unverified claims, or inconsistent information faced ranking drops, particularly in sensitive areas like health and finance.
Analysis and SEO Implications
Prioritize Content Quality:
Focus on creating in-depth, well-researched, and regularly updated content that provides real value to users.
Enhance E-E-A-T:
Invest in building credibility through expert authorship, reliable sources, and visible trust signals like certifications.
Optimize for User Experience:
Improve site speed, mobile usability, and intuitive navigation to retain users and meet Google’s expectations.
Monitor Analytics:
Regularly track performance metrics to identify changes in rankings and adapt strategies accordingly.
Avoid Over-Optimization:
Keyword stuffing, low-quality backlinks, and other outdated tactics are increasingly penalized by Google’s updates.
Conclusion
The March 2023 core update underscores Google’s commitment to delivering better search experiences by prioritizing high-quality, user-focused content. For businesses and content creators, the key takeaway is clear: focus on authenticity, expertise, and user value. By aligning strategies with Google’s evolving standards, websites can not only recover from potential losses but also build sustainable growth in organic traffic.
Hire a team of experts to handle the process for you!
Ready to grow your revenue with Acceler8? Get a Free Consultation to Boost Your Business.
