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Staying up-to-date with Google algorithms is quite challenging.
Google keeps updating its algorithm from time to time to deliver the most relevant and helpful information to users.
Understanding them and making quick changes accordingly is key to achieving top ranking in SERPs.
Today, we will discuss how to rank on Google in 2024.
In our guide, we will specifically talk about the recent March 2024 update that marked a significant shift in Google’s priorities.
Let’s explore the key takeaways from the March 2024 update and find out the essential ranking strategies for 2024. Let’s begin by exploring Google’s core principles and how they influence search results.
Before we move on to Google’s March 2024 update, let’s have a quick glimpse at Google’s major updates and their effects.
Google Major Updates and Their Effects
1. Panda (February 2011)
Major Target:
- Duplicate content
- Plagiarized content
- Thin content (low information value)
- User-generated spam.
Effect:
Websites that are ranking using the above tactics saw instant drops in ranking.
The Panda update encourages webmasters to focus on high-quality, original content that provides value to users.
2. Penguin (April 2012)
Major Target:
- Low-quality backlinks
- Irrelevant internal or external links
Effect:
Websites that have irrelevant and unnatural backlink profiles were penalized.
After the Penguin update, webmasters are now required to build high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites.
3. Hummingbird (August 2013)
Major Targets:
- Keyword stuffing
- Shallow content
Effect:
With the Hummingbird update, Google improves its understanding of search intent.
It starts prioritizing websites that solve the user’s basic intention behind a search query.
After this update, the webmaster focused on creating content that is contextually relevant and informative.
4. Mobilegeddon (April 2015)
Major Target:
- Non-responsive websites
Effect:
The Mobilegeddon update makes sure all websites are responsive and mobile-friendly.
It becomes one of the major ranking factors.
5. RankBrain (October 2015)
Major Targets:
- Overall user experience
- Relevance to search intent (uses machine learning)
Effect:
RankBrain is Google’s machine learning or AI algorithm.
It primarily focused on factors like user engagement metrics (dwell time, bounce rate, etc.).
Apart from that, it also checks whether the respective content comprehensively addresses the user’s needs.
6. Medic Update (May 2018)
Major Target:
- Websites related to health, finance, and legal information.
Effect:
Medic update increased the importance of
E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) for YMYL websites.
YMYL refers to those websites that cover Your Money or Your Life topics.
Websites that have qualified authors and demonstrated their expertise in their respective fields experienced a ranking boost.
What's Included in Google’s March 2024 Update?
Without a doubt, Google’s March 2024 update is a big one. Let’s find out what major changes Google has made to their algorithm:
1. Links Are Not more of an important Factor for Ranking
As you know, Google loves to leave some hints instead of clearing the whole picture.
This time also, Google hints that links might not be a ranking factor for anyone, but they are still important.
Google silently made an almost unnoticeable change in their Spam Policies Documentation but as always, it can’t stay unnoticed in the eyes of tech nerds.
Here is the documentation:
Previous documentation:
“Google uses links as an important factor in determining the relevancy of web pages.”
Latest documentation:
“Google uses links as a factor in determining the relevancy of web pages.”
Did you find any changes?
If you find both documentation the same, then read them again. You will miss the word ‘important’ in the latest one.
It clearly indicates Google may not consider links as ranking factors, but they are still relevant.
2. Content Creation Specifically for Link Manipulation
After the Penguin update, some smart webmasters tried to rank their websites by following link manipulation tactics.
They achieve this by simply creating content whose prime purpose is to get links only.
Now, people need to think twice before using Private Blogging Networks (PBNs) or similar tactics to generate links and manipulate rankings.
3. Outgoing Links
For many years, Google has been against paid links, but till date, there has been no clear and specific algorithm that tackles this problem.
The latest update seems to handle this quite efficiently.
Now, you need to be very careful, even when placing an outgoing link.
If the Google algorithm finds your website selling links, then be ready to face a penalty.
According to Google, any type of link that is created with the motivation of manipulating rankings will be considered pure spam.
4. Expired Domains
After the March update, many speculated that Google hit hard on expired domains, but the story is a little different.
You can still use expired domains, but make sure you are not becoming a part of expired domain abuse.
Earlier, people bought expired domains with good backlink profiles.
They repurpose this domain with low-quality content and get top rankings in a very short span of time.
But with the latest update, it becomes an old-school strategy.
5. New Spam Policy
Google’s latest algorithm change is ready to heavily penalize websites with low-quality content and irrelevant links.
According to Google, they have already started taking actions on websites with manipulative behaviors.
6. Action Against AI Content
Google clearly states that automatic content generation is considered spam.
No matter which tool or software has been used to generate it, it falls under the spam category.
But the main question is still not answered: is Google able to differentiate between AI content and human content?
Google’s Search Advocate, John Mueller, has no answer to this question.
Meanwhile, Google may proceed with penalizing AI content with the help of human reviewers.
How to Rank on Google in 2024
Now, it’s time to know how you can rank your website on Google in 2024 after the March update.
In this section, we will discuss only the legitimate tactics that are relevant to the latest update.
These tactics help you make the necessary changes before you get penalized.
1. Focus on Writing High-quality Content
Google continuously recommends focusing on writing high-quality and relevant content right from the beginning.
Earlier, Google lacked a proper algorithm to detect it, but with time, it is on its way to becoming the most powerful machine learning system.
And there is no need to say that with each update, it shows its worthiness.
As Google prioritizes content that fulfills the search intent, it is advisable to write content that has all the relevant information the visitor is looking for.
Instead of bombarding your website with tons of information, focus on topics that actually define your brand or business.
2. Don’t Run Behind Number of Backlinks
Backlink numbers definitely matter, but they will be of no use if you obtain them using spammy tactics.
The recent Google update heavily focuses on link building, so you need to review your backlink strategy.
It is good to work on obtaining one legitimate backlink instead of getting thousands of spammy backlinks in one shot.
You might already know it, but this time you need to be very careful while creating links on your site.
The latest update specifically checks internal and external links, so you need to be very careful while building links.
No matter whether they are internal or external links, make sure you place them naturally.
That means you need to create a link when it is very necessary.
Google doesn’t reveal how many links should be created or their frequency, so it is advisable to keep them short and informative.
3. Avoid Using Shaddy Link Building Tactics
Apart from getting paid links, website owners generally use various other affordable ways to get links.
Such tactics include establishing PBNs, creating Web 2.0 websites, and more.
Such ways help them create the desired number of links.
If you are using the same, then you may struggle to rank your website.
This time, Google is very strict about content creation, which is especially manipulating the rankings.
If you already have such content on your website and the number is huge, then we recommend reviewing them all and deleting the unnecessary.
For those pieces of content that already give you traffic or some point of benefit, make sure you add some more relevant information to them.
4. Use Expired Domain Wisely
If you have been in SEO for many years, then you definitely know how to utilize expired domains for ranking purposes.
If you are already working on an expired domain, then you need to be very careful.
As earlier said, the latest March update has a very deep connection with expired domains.
If you are using an expired domain to drive traffic to your main website, then you must make sure it has legitimate and helpful content.
Google tried to clarify expired domain abuse by using the using the following examples:
Running an affiliate website on a domain name that is previously run by any government agency.
Selling commercial products or services on a domain that is previously owned by a non-profit organization.
Running a casino or betting-related content on a domain that is previously owned by any school or college.
There could be many ways to abuse expired domains.
If you don’t want to be part of it, then simply don’t participate in any activity that you think might hurt your rankings.
5. Avoid AI Generated Content
AI-generated content can harm your website in the long run.
According to Google, any content that is generated using AI or similar tools is considered automated content.
It is true that, currently, Google has no technology or algorithm that can detect the difference between humans and AI.
Well, at least on paper, it is missing!
But who knows if Google is just one step away from introducing such an algorithm?
As soon as Google announces this anticipated algorithm update, you will instantly lose your website.
It would be a wise decision to write content yourself or hire professional content writers.
Beyond the Update: Tips to Rank on Google in 2024
Now, in this section, we will discover some quick tips that you need to do continuously in order to stay competitive and fresh.
1. Update Old Content
Everyone runs behind looking for fresh ideas, but what about your old, published content?
We are not saying you need to stop looking for new ideas, but it is always good to look at content that is not performing well.
We are sure you will find multiple stale pieces of content on your website that are just eating up your site space.
You need to make a list of such content and filter out the outdated content.
Don’t hesitate to delete them.
Now, coming to the content topics that still have a chance to rank in SERP, update them with the latest relevant information.
Before doing this, make sure you properly research the topic again so you can get the most out of your efforts.
2. Leverage Schema Markup
Schema markup is another powerful way to rule the SERP effortlessly.
It helps you achieve more visibility in Google search results.
If you have a WordPress website, then you can find many paid or free plugins to use schema markup.
Meanwhile, don’t completely rely on plugins, as they might have limited options or features.
To get the most out of schema markup, we recommend hiring a professional developer or SEO expert to unlock the real potential of schema markup.
3. Optimize Your Website for Faster Loading
A fast website helps you achieve a better ranking in comparison to your competitors.
If you have a website on WordPress or a CMS, then you should especially focus on website speed.
WordPress websites are loaded with tons of extra features, as it is a reliable solution for all.
Now, depending on your requirements, you never utilize all WordPress features.
In this case, you need to hire an expert developer who can delete all the unnecessary files, javascripts, plugins, etc. to make your site lightning fast.
How to Stay Ahead of Your Competitors?
The time is gone when websites can be ranked by a single person.
Today, the whole story is different. It requires a special and unique talent to rank websites alone.
We might not have such capability, but there are still ways to stay ahead of your competitors. Let’s discuss them:
1. Know Your Competitors
If you don’t know what your competitors are up to, then you will always stay behind them.
There are various tools and methods that help you keep an eye on your competitors.
Find out what makes them better from you.
It can be anything like UI/UX, better content, etc.
2. Know Your Target Audience
You must know your target audience. Without it, your digital marketing campaign always goes in the wrong direction.
Research and find out your target audience, and try to narrow it down as much as possible.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Try New Markets
If you think your niche is very competitive and it took you years to make a significant impact, then don’t hesitate to try new markets.
New markets are definitely risky, but they often come with lots of advantages.
If you think you have great ideas that can shake the current market, then feel free to work on them.
We recommend you work with a reliable growth partner to minimize your risks.
4. Only Right Strategy Helps You Win
If you want to get top rankings on Google, then remember that there is no magic or hard work; only the right strategy will help you achieve your desired goals.
If you are honest about your digital marketing strategy and take no shortcuts, then no one can stop you from achieving top rankings.
From keyword research to content writing to content distribution, everything needs to be done in a legitimate and strategized way.
Conclusion
In this fierce competition, you will always find yourself in a struggling position, waiting for a miracle to happen.
Things like SEO definitely take time, but there is no sense in wasting your time if they do not yield any results even after several efforts.
Instead of wasting your time and resources, we recommend hiring a dedicated team.
Now, finding talents is another big headache.
In this way, you can simply outsource your SEO work to Softtrix like digital marketing company.
The main benefit of hiring an SEO company is that they will take care of everything, from researching your competitors to helping you get top rankings.
Apart from that, they make sure your website completely follows Google guidelines.
So, what are you waiting for? Make your decision and start your digital marketing journey with the right partner.
8 replies on “How to Rank on Google in 2024: A Guide to Follow After the March Update”
Unlock the secrets to Google ranking success in 2024 with this invaluable guide. Stay ahead of the game. Thanks for sharing this useful content.
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Google Ad Placements Management Tips: Ensure Your Ads Reach the Right Audience
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Insightful guide! Addresses critical factors for Google ranking post-March update. Clear steps for boosting SEO performance. A valuable resource for web admins.