If you own a website or are a marketer, then you’re probably familiar with the term Google algorithm updates. These updates are changes made to Google’s search algorithm, which affects how websites are ranked on search engine results pages (SERPs). In this blog post, we’ll discuss the latest Google algorithm update – the March 2023 Broad Core Update – and why it’s important for website owners and marketers to understand its implications.

Google algorithm updates are an essential part of search engine optimisation (SEO), as they determine which websites will rank higher or lower on SERPs. These updates can happen several times a year, and they are designed to ensure that users receive the best possible search results when they conduct a search on Google.

For website owners and marketers, these updates can have significant implications for their online presence, as they can impact their search rankings and, therefore, their traffic and revenue. In this post, we’ll be diving into the specifics of the March 2023 Broad Core Update, how it’s impacted websites, and what to do if you’ve been affected. 

Overview of the Latest Algorithm Update 

Google’s latest algorithm update began rolling out in mid-March 2023. This update affected all types of content and all language regions. The reason behind the update was to ensure that Google’s search algorithm continues to deliver the most helpful and relevant search results to its users. It’s important to note that the Google algorithm update in 2023 was not intended to penalise websites, but rather to reward great ones. 

The update caused significant volatility in search rankings in the first few days after its rollout, with some websites experiencing drops in traffic and rankings. However, the update also resulted in some websites seeing improvements in their search rankings, indicating that the update did indeed reward websites with high-quality content.

What Google Says About Broad Core Updates 

Google regularly makes changes to its search algorithm, and one of the ways it does this is through broad core updates. You can find a complete Google algorithm list here. 

Google has stated that broad core updates do not target specific websites or pages, nor do they have specific fixes that website owners can make to recover lost search rankings. Instead, these updates are focused on improving the overall quality of Google’s search results by rewarding high-quality web pages.

Broad core updates differ from other types of updates in that they are more significant and have a broader impact on search results. Unlike smaller updates, which are often made to fix bugs or improve specific features of the search algorithm, broad core updates can impact a wide range of websites and search queries.

It’s worth noting that Google is always making small changes and updates to its search algorithm, often on a daily basis. However, these changes are typically small and are not as significant as broad core updates.

Tips on Reacting to Google’s March 2023 Algorithm Update 

If you’ve noticed changes in your website’s search rankings after the latest Google update, don’t worry. Here are some general tips on how to respond:

1. Assess the Impact: Use tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz to evaluate the update’s effect on your website’s search rankings, traffic, and engagement levels.
2. Adjust Your SEO Strategy: Identify any negative impacts and modify your strategy accordingly to align with Google’s latest algorithm. This may involve improving website content, navigation, and technical SEO.
3. Improve Website Content and User Experience: Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content, and providing a positive user experience. This can include conducting keyword research, optimising page speed, website structure and navigation, and ensuring your site is responsive and mobile-friendly.

Remember, small daily changes can lead to recovery if your search rankings have dropped. Stay calm, follow SEO best practices, and continue delivering top-quality content and user experiences.

Best Practices for Future Updates 

Here are some best practices for staying up to date with future Google algorithm updates:

• Sign up for the Ruby Digital newsletter: One of the easiest ways to stay up to date with the latest Google algorithm updates is by subscribing to our newsletter! Our newsletter includes updates on Google’s algorithm changes, tips on SEO best practices, and other useful information for website owners and marketers.
• Monitor Your Website’s Performance: Regularly monitoring your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics can help you identify any drops in search rankings or traffic. This allows you to make necessary adjustments before it’s too late.
• Focus on Quality Content and User Experience: Creating high-quality content that provides value to your target audience and builds trust is key to improving your search rankings over time.

Tips for Future-Proofing Your Website:

To future-proof your website and avoid penalties from future Google algorithm updates, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Follow SEO Best Practices: Creating engaging content, using relevant keywords, and offering a great user experience will help improve your search rankings. These practices help ensure that your website is valuable and informative to your target audience, making it more likely to rank well.  
• Stay Up to Date with Google’s Guidelines: Regularly reviewing and following Google’s Search Essentials (formerly Guidelines for Webmasters) can help you avoid penalties and ensure that your website complies with Google’s standards.
• Avoid Black Hat SEO Tactics: Using black hat SEO tactics, such as buying backlinks or keyword stuffing, can result in penalties from Google and harm your search rankings. 

How Ruby Digital Can Help You Navigate the March 2023 Broad Core Algorithm Update

If you’re looking for professional assistance in responding to the latest update, Ruby Digital is here to help with a comprehensive and tailored approach! Here’s what we offer:

1. Assessment: Our team of experts will carefully analyse your website’s search rankings, traffic, and engagement levels to determine the impact of the update. We’ll provide a detailed report highlighting the areas that require attention and improvement.
2. Performance Monitoring: Depending on the level of impact, we’ll diligently track your website’s performance over several weeks or months. Our ongoing monitoring ensures that we capture any fluctuations in search rankings and other key performance indicators that could be related to the update.
3. In-depth Analysis: Using advanced analytics tools, we’ll study the data to identify patterns or trends in your website’s performance. This comprehensive analysis allows us to make data-driven decisions on how to adjust your SEO strategy effectively, ensuring your website stays in line with Google’s algorithm updates.

Based on our analysis, Ruby Digital will provide bespoke solutions tailored to your website’s needs:

• Content Improvements: We’ll collaborate with you to develop high-quality, relevant content that adds value to your target audience. This includes conducting in-depth keyword research, updating existing content, creating new engaging material, and developing a content strategy to guide your future content creation efforts.
• Technical SEO: Our experts will address technical issues like broken links, duplicate content, or slow page load times to improve your website’s search rankings. We’ll perform a thorough technical audit and implement the necessary fixes, ensuring your website is in top shape for search engines.
• User Experience Improvements: Our team will identify and fix any user experience issues that could be affecting your website’s engagement levels and search rankings. This includes optimising website navigation, ensuring mobile-friendliness, and enhancing page layout and design.

In addition to these core solutions, Ruby Digital offers supplementary services to further boost your website’s performance:

• Link Building: Our team will help you acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable sources, improving your search rankings and driving more traffic to your website.
• Social Media Marketing: We’ll create and execute a social media strategy to promote your content, engage with your target audience, and increase website traffic. Our approach includes selecting the most suitable platforms, crafting compelling content, and monitoring social media performance.
• Voice Search Optimisation: To keep up with evolving search trends, we’ll optimise your site for longer keyword phrases commonly used in voice searches. This ensures your website remains accessible and relevant to users who prefer voice search.
• Email Marketing: We’ll develop and manage an email marketing strategy to help you stay connected with potential and existing customers. Our tailored campaigns will keep your audience informed about new products, services, and promotions, fostering customer loyalty and driving repeat business.

With Ruby Digital by your side, you can confidently navigate the March 2023 Broad Core Algorithm Update and steadily improve your website’s search rankings and performance over time. Our team’s expertise and tailored approach ensure that your website remains competitive and continues to grow.

In Conclusion: 

The March 2023 Broad Core Update from Google has significant implications for website owners and marketers. Here are the key takeaways:

• Google’s Broad Core Updates are designed to improve the overall quality of search results by rewarding high-quality and high-value web pages.
• Ruby Digital can help website owners and marketers monitor their website’s performance in response to Google algorithm updates and adjust their SEO strategy.
• Staying up to date with Google’s algorithm updates and adhering to best practices can help you future-proof your website and ensure its success in the long term.

Working with an experienced digital marketing agency like Ruby Digital is crucial to navigating Google algorithm updates and ensuring the success of your website. Our team of experts can help you stay up to date with the latest algorithm updates, adjust your marketing efforts where needed, and steadily improve your website’s ranking and traffic.

If you’d like to learn more about Ruby Digital’s services, or need help with content marketing, please get in touch! We offer a comprehensive range of digital marketing services, including SEO services, PPC advertising, web design and development, and much more. Thanks for reading this blog post, and we look forward to helping you achieve your digital marketing goals!