As Grafton Local SEO, we’re aware of the challenges and changes business owners face in search engine optimization, especially with recent updates from Google. Our focus is to ensure that local businesses not only survive but thrive — a big part of this is staying up to date on changes in Google Search.
An announcement from Google on March 5, 2024, brings to light new measures to improve search results by tackling spammy, low-quality content.
Here’s how we at Grafton Local SEO are aligning our strategies to navigate these changes effectively for our clients:
Keeping Up with Continuous Improvement
Google’s commitment to reducing low-quality content on Search and improving the overall user experience reminds us of the dynamic nature of SEO. At Grafton Local SEO, we’re committed to continuous learning and adapting. We believe in staying ahead of the curve for compliance and leveraging these updates to our clients’ advantage.
Google’s recent updates allow local businesses to refine their online strategies and focus on creating genuinely helpful content for their audience. At Grafton Local SEO, we’re here to guide you through these changes and ensure your business meets and exceeds Google’s new standards. Let’s work together to make your local business shine online.
Should I Still Use AI Content Generators?
You can, with important caveats. Do not simply copy and paste the content AI gives you and expect to rank. In fact, if you do this enough, you will be seen as spam and certainly not meet Google’s criteria for helpful content. I like to use content generators as a writing partner to help structure content, and you, the professional, should provide the key information.
In light of Google’s March 2024 core algorithm update, the reliance on AI-generated content for boosting website rankings faces significant challenges. According to an insightful piece by Roger Montti for SEJ, Google now penalizes sites utilizing AI-generated content, deeming it unable to meet the heightened quality standards outlined in its documentation. This update, emphasizing an additional ‘Experience’ element to the already crucial Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) criteria, underscores the importance of human insight and firsthand experience in content creation.
Despite this setback for AI-generated content, Montti offers a glimmer of hope for leveraging AI in content creation without compromising quality. He proposes integrating AI as a tool to enhance human-generated insights, suggesting methods such as utilizing detailed checklists for review content and refining raw human input into polished, professional narratives. This approach aligns with Google’s quality requirements and ensures content remains engaging and informative.
Montti’s analysis sheds light on the evolving landscape of SEO and content creation, emphasizing a strategic blend of human expertise and AI efficiency to produce high-quality, people-first content that stands up to Google’s rigorous standards.
Check out Roger Montti’s full article on SEJ to gain a deeper understanding of this significant update and adapting strategies.
Remember Google Search Essentials
Google Search plays a crucial role in helping your website reach its audience. The road to excelling in Google Search involves understanding and implementing the basics effectively. This guide breaks down the Google Search Essentials, explaining the core essentials for your web content—be it web pages, images, videos, or any other accessible material—to appear and stand out in Google Search results.
These essentials include:
- Technical Requirements: The non-negotiables for web pages to be shown in Google Search.
- Spam Policies: Actions and strategies that could lower your site’s ranking or even be excluded from Google Search results.
- Key Best Practices: Vital strategies to elevate your site’s presence in Google Search results.
Remember, appearing in Google Search is entirely free. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Achieving these essentials doesn’t guarantee that Google will present your content, but it gives you the best chance to be seen.
Diving Into the Details
Technical Requirements
These are the basic technical aspects Google needs to consider when displaying your webpage in search results. Fortunately, most websites meet these conditions without extra effort.
Spam Policies
Avoiding spammy behavior and tactics is paramount. Websites dedicated to enriching user experience and content quality align with Google’s principles and stand a better chance in the search results.
Key Best Practices
Enhancing your site’s SEO boils down to a few fundamental practices that significantly affect your content’s ranking and visibility on Google Search:
- Craft content that’s truly useful and prioritizes the needs of your audience.
- Utilize the same language and terms your audience uses when searching for your content, ensuring these keywords are prominently placed throughout your page—including the title, main headings, alt text, and link text.
- Ensure your links are crawlable, allowing Google to discover other pages on your site.
- Promote your site by engaging in communities relevant to your content, services, or products.
- If using images, videos, structured data, and JavaScript, adhere to specific best practices for each to ensure Google fully grasps your page’s content.
- Control how your content appears in Google Search. If certain content should be hidden from search results, or if you wish to opt-out entirely, use the appropriate methods to manage your content’s search presence effectively.
With these insights, you’re well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of Google Search, elevating your site’s visibility and engaging your intended audience more effectively.
