Google has announced some key updates to its Search algorithms which will look to highlight more valuable results, created for humans, as opposed to web pages that have been designed purely with SERP ranking in mind.
Google’s main target with these new updates is low-quality aggregator sites, which aim to match up with common search terms in order to suck in more Search traffic.
Now, Google says that it will put more emphasis on content quality and depth, which could spark a change in the broader SEO approach.
As explained by Google:
“Next week, we’ll launch the “helpful content update” to tackle content that seems to have been primarily created for ranking well in search engines rather than to help or inform people. This ranking update will help make sure that unoriginal, low quality content doesn’t rank highly in Search, and our testing has found it will especially improve results related to online education, as well as arts and entertainment, shopping and tech-related content.”
The update, as Google says, is aimed at low quality sites that have been constructed purely to game the algorithm, by including specific keyword matches and data notes that align with key Google search trends.
In other words, if you’re creating shallow content based purely on keyword matching, in order to rank in Search, you may soon see a dip in your SERP rankings.
“For example, if you search for information about a new movie, you might have previously seen articles that aggregated reviews from other sites without adding perspectives beyond what’s available elsewhere. This isn’t very helpful if you’re expecting to read something new. With this update, you’ll see more results with unique, authentic information, so you’re more likely to read something you haven’t seen before.”
As always, Google wants to ensure that users get the most relevant, helpful results, which are generally not provided by aggregator sites or those constructed purely with Search rankings in mind. That could reduce the value of common SEO tactics, like using exact search terms in your headers, and keyword stuffing (which is already bad practice).
