Google has unveiled a brand-new significant modification to its search ranking algorithm: the “helpful content update.” The update aims to remove articles that have been published solely to boost their search engine rankings but do not educate or assist readers. This upgrade, according to Google, will “address content that seems to have been generated mainly for ranking well in search engines.”
In our perspective, this upgrade will alter how SEOs approach content tactics moving ahead, much like Panda in 2011 and Penguin in 2012 – concerning content and link strategies.
What types of content will be affected by the helpful content update?
Google said that the following content types might be most affected, even if these algorithms do not mainly target any particular niche:
Historically, content in those areas has been written more for search engines than humans. These areas are more likely to be affected by Google’s helpful content updates than others industries.
Updates to Google’s helpful content are part of the sitewide algorithm
The new helpful content update will be applied across the entire site, unlike many Google algorithms. Your entire website will be affected if Google determines that you produce too much unhelpful content primarily designed to rank in search engine results.
Ensure your content is centered on people and not the Bots
The helpful content upgrade intends to reward content more favorably where users believe they have had a pleasant experience. In contrast, content that falls short of a user’s expectations will not do as well.
How can you be confident that the material you produce will be effective with our recent update? It’s simple. You are generating visitor-focused content and applying SEO best practices and Quality guidelines to provide visitors with more information.
If you answered yes to the following questions, you’re probably on the right track:
How to steer clear of the pitfalls
How can you steer clear of putting search engines first? If you answered “yes” to any of the following questions, you should rethink how you produce content for your website:
Keep an eye on your analytics as the update rolls out and, if necessary, reevaluate your content strategy.
We will keep you updated on all the latest developments related to the helpful content updates.