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Google March 2024 Core Update was a devastating event for blogs and website owners that depend on organic search traffic. This significant algorithm change targeted low-quality content and AI-generated spam, leading to tons of of internet sites being de-indexed early on. The consequences were such that overnight, severely affected sites lost worthwhile organic traffic and promoting revenue.
The update is as agreed with Artificial intelligence study on originality, which revealed the high prevalence of AI-generated content among de-indexed web sites. For 50% of affected sites, 90-100% of posts were generated by AI.
This solution demonstrates Google’s commitment to improving the quality of search results and combating manipulative tactics akin to AI content spam. But it also raises an vital query: how can website owners significantly increase organic traffic in the latest reality?
Organic traffic growth strategies in 2024
In the aftermath March 2024 Core Update, website owners need to adapt their strategies to regain lost ground and significantly increase organic traffic. Here are some key areas of focus:
1. Conduct a comprehensive content audit
The first step is a thorough content evaluation. Use tools like Ahrefs Or SEMrush for identification:
- Articles performing well but not rating in the top search results (prioritize them)
- Content that stopped working after an update
- Low-performing content that never ranked well
You can strategically distribute your optimization efforts by knowing which content assets are working and which need improvement.
2. Focus on top-performing content that won’t already rating #1 in search results
Double down on your strengths to quickly increase your organic traffic. Find high-volume, low-competition keywords with a difficulty rating of lower than 10 and rating between 2 and 8. These are more likely to get the desired wealthy snippet rating.
3. Optimize for featured snippets
Featured results in “position zero” above the fundamental organic results are called featured snippets. There are 4 basic categories:
- Fragments of paragraphs
- List of fragments
- Fragments of the table
- Video fragments
4. To improve your site’s rating and attract more featured snippets, it’s essential to follow current web optimization best practices:
- Understand the intent of the query and adjust the snippet format.
- Briefly define the topic in two or three sentences as paragraph fragments.
- Using objective, fact-based language and avoiding personal pronouns.
- Logically structuring your content using appropriate heading tags.
- Write simply and use language that your audience understands.
Prioritize delivering a superior user experience over basic keyword optimization.
Google’s position on content generated by artificial intelligence
While Google hasn’t explicitly banned AI-generated content, the message is clear: quality, originality and user value are paramount. Artificial intelligence needs to be used as a tool to support, not replace, human knowledge and creativity.
Matt G. Southern of Search Engine Journal aptly says: “Google is not at war with artificial intelligence; the battle is against mediocrity.” Responsible use of artificial intelligence to aid content creation is acceptable. However, this have to be combined with human insight, editing and a commitment to providing users with truly worthwhile information. Artificial intelligence needs to be used as a tool to support, not replace, human knowledge and creativity.
Smart use of artificial intelligence
While the update penalized sites for over-reliance on AI-powered content, Google has all the time placed an emphasis on originality, depth and value for the reader. The ethical use of AI as a research aid and co-pilot is acceptable so long as human editing ensures unique, high-quality content.
The future is EEAT – Google’s prioritization of Experience, Expertise, Credibility and Trustworthiness (EEAT) can be key. Establish your topic authority by:
- Citing reliable sources.
- Presenting the writer’s knowledge in a visible place.
- Providing accurate and reliable information.
- Ensuring optimal user experience through intelligent design.
Websites that focus solely on keyword optimization, relatively than holistic quality signals, will increasingly be left behind.
The March 2024 Core Update ushered in a latest era of exploration where quality, originality and authority reign supreme. You can significantly increase your organic traffic in this latest environment by auditing your content, playing to your strengths and following EEAT principles. The path forward requires an unwavering commitment to creating exceptional user experiences with truly worthwhile content.