Google March 2024 Update – What you need to know
Google has announced new measures to combat spam and other low-quality content in its search results.
Considering the last core Google update was in 2022, we were due one soon, so this March 24 algorithm update was no surprise.
The 2024 update improved on the last 2022 update when Google began tuning the ranking system to reduce unhelpful, unoriginal content in Search.
Since then, Google has been learning what has worked and what hasn’t – these learnings, combined with the new update, will collectively reduce low-quality, unoriginal content in search results by up to 40%!
What happened?
The algorithm update was rolled out on March 5th – and things happened quickly! Here’s what we observed:
- Google completely de-indexed spammy websites.
- AI content-heavy sites deindexed or significantly impacted
- Repurposed/expired domains significantly impacted
- Website demonstrating EEAT was virtually unaffected
What SEMs need to do in the wake of the March 2024 update
Google hasn’t changed the goal posts on us, they have only fine-tuned the algorithm to easier sort out helpful, original, HUMAN, content from the rest.
The aim of Google core algorithm updates is simple: Keeping spam out of search results.
Considering this, the key takeaway remains: Google prefers quality over quantity—because that’s what human searchers prefer!
Incorporating E-E-AT into your Content Strategy
Many of our clients come to us because they may or may not understand that Google wants quality content but are struggling to understand how to show this and do it through SEO.
Google has literally spelt it out for us – with the E-E-A-T framework. If you can show experience and expertise and show authority on your topic, then Google is likely to determine your website as trustworthy.
But EEAT isn’t anything new – it’s been around since 2014 when it started as EAT. The second E was added in 2022 – to help Google differentiate between human and AI content.
Since 2014, our SEO team at ExtraDigital has been helping clients stay at the top of SERPs with quality SEO strategies. We know what Google wants to see, and thanks to our wide portfolio of clients over the years, we can adapt the E-E-A-T strategy to suit the specific needs of our client’s industries.
If you want to maximise your SEO strategy- ensure you are demonstrating E-E-A-T. Talk to one of our SEMs today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Google March 2024 update?
The Google March 2024 update was a major core algorithm update combined with new spam policies. It focused on reducing low quality, unoriginal, and scaled content while improving visibility for pages that demonstrate genuine usefulness and originality.
How is the March 2024 update different from previous Google updates?
Unlike many earlier updates, the March 2024 update rolled out over several weeks and included policy changes alongside ranking adjustments. This meant some sites saw gradual shifts rather than immediate volatility. ExtraDigital assessed this update as one of Google’s strongest signals yet against mass produced content.
What types of content were most affected by the update?
Content created primarily for search engines, including thin affiliate pages, automated content at scale, and pages lacking original insight, were most impacted. Pages offering first hand expertise, clear intent matching, and meaningful value were more likely to benefit.
What does the March 2024 update mean for SEO strategies?
SEO strategies now need to focus more heavily on content quality, originality, and purpose. Producing fewer but more valuable pages is increasingly important. ExtraDigital frames this update as a move away from volume driven SEO toward sustainable content ecosystems.
How should websites recover if they were negatively affected?
Recovery requires reviewing content quality, removing or improving low value pages, and aligning content more closely with user needs. Improvements may not be immediate, as recovery often depends on future algorithm refreshes rather than quick fixes.
