How Google’s Helpful Content Algorithm Update Impacts Websites

Website owners will soon be able to access the newest Google core algorithm update, dubbed “the helpful content” update. This update will also come with new rankings that will affect your whole site and flag helpful and non-helpful content.

It’s hard to say how long it will take for this update to affect websites, but the official announcement by Google and their history let’s up know that the rollout will happen. 

It may be a bit nerve-wracking waiting for the update to hit, but you can take plenty of steps to ensure your website transitions into this new phase. Read on to learn more about Google core algorithms, and what they do for your site. 

What Is the Google Algorithm?

Google algorithms are the rules the search engine has created to rank all websites on their SERPs. The complex system they’ve created collects information from webpages, works to understand them and what users are searching for, and then ranks the webpages in order of relevance and quality. The algorithm designs this order to try and weed out mismatching or misleading content to create a better UX (user experience).

Google works continually monitor and evolve its algorithm system, which is why it changes often. In fact, Google’s algorithm changes on average about 12 times a day, with most adjustments being so minor you wouldn’t even notice.

But there are occasional larger updates that occur which require action on your end to stay updated. While the exact algorithm Google uses isn’t public, there are some examples of steps you can take to benefit your website ranking:

• Your keywords should appear in the page title, header tags, and the meta description
• There should be organic or natural links to your page
• Your website should perform on mobile devices

What Is the Purpose of the Broad Core Algorithm Update?

Google has stated that the leading purpose for broad core algorithm updates is improving search results and page rank. These updates happen because some lower-quality websites were rewarded for bad behavior which wasn’t providing a good user experience.

By focusing on what the users want and combing through the data and content on web pages, Google has found a way to audit content online to help connect people with the best available. These updates shouldn’t be thought of as a penalty, though. Instead, consider these a regular refresh button for your website and content to maintain or improve your SEO ranking. 

What You Need to Know About Google’s Core Updates

Since Google regularly updates its content, what do you need to know, and what action should you take? This simple list can help you figure out where to start, what steps to take, and identify what details you need to consider for your site.

People-First Content

Google wants to reward websites that answer visitors’ questions and leaves them feeling satisfied. So, how can you ensure success with this update and focus on UX while utilizing important SEO (search engine optimization) tactics? 

• Does your website have an existing audience that navigate around your site to find helpful content?
• Does the information on your website show that you have the expertise and knowledge on your topic?
• Is your website focused on a primary topic, product, or service?
• Will someone who reads your content have a satisfying experience?

Don’t Focus On Creating Content for Search Engines

Focusing only on your SERP performance and the amount of website traffic you achieve can lead to a significant oversight on your end. But how do you avoid leaning too hard into the data to create content that will be popular with users but still tick all the algorithms boxes?

• Make sure you write content for the people that isn’t laden with technical jargon or high-level speech
• Produce a wide variety of topics that focuses on the issues your target audience is searching for the most
• Expand on what other businesses in your field are talking about, create fresh spins on your industry, and add value to what you have to offer
• Try not to make your website too trendy because trends fade in and out of favor quickly
• Write content on your site that answers all your users’ questions and won’t cause them to search for other resources
• Avoid getting too niche in your industry
• Don’t overpromise to your target audience and follow through on any claims you make about information sharing

How to Prepare for a Google Core Algorithm Update

Now that you know what the Google algorithm update is, what can you do to prepare for these changes? Follow these steps to provide the best SEO experience for each visitor:

• Clear out any unhelpful or AI-generated content from your website
• Review all the areas of your website and make sure you have a cohesive voice focused on the user
• Work to eliminate unhelpful, confusing, or outdated content
• Make sure you focus your content on helping people out rather than attracting them to click through to your website
• Avoid writing about trendy topics, especially if you wouldn’t consider covering them otherwise
• Don’t enter into niche areas you aren’t experienced in, especially just to drive traffic
• Make sure you follow through on promises to answer questions

If you’re still unsure how to prepare for the upcoming traffic, or if you think you need an extra set of eyes, have no fear! Contact our experts for a clear game plan on where to start and what actions to take.

Where to Start?

Remember that the upcoming Google core algorithm update focuses on people-first content. Your users drive your business and revenue, so you must first consider their needs when you publish content on your website.

If you enjoyed learning about these upcoming updates and these vital details for the success of your website, check out our blog to learn more. We regularly post current events in SEO and digital marketing, so be sure to check back often!