As SEO Experts in South Florida, one of the things we track is SERP Volatility, and February was really high—most of the SEOs chatter was that Google had released an “unofficial Google update”… and it happened. Learn about March Core Update possible impact on abused Local SEO Tactics and How to Avoid getting hit by it.
Google has announced its March 2024 core update, which aims to improve the quality of search results by prioritizing helpful content over clickbait. The update involves changes to multiple core systems and uses innovative signals to identify reliable and useful information. Google has also introduced new spam policies to address practices that negatively impact search results. These policies target expired domain abuse, scaled content abuse, and site reputation abuse. Creators are encouraged to review the spam policies and ensure they are not engaging in such practices.
So What are you waiting for?
How Google's March 2024 Core Update Affects Local SEO Tactics?
Local SEO has always been a cornerstone for businesses aiming to target customers in specific geographic locations. The introduction of Google’s March 2024 core update, particularly its stance on “scaled content abuse,” is set to have profound implications on local SEO tactics, especially the use of city silos. This blog post explores how the update could reshape local SEO strategies and offers guidance on navigating these changes effectively.
Understanding City Silos and Their Importance
City silos are a popular local SEO strategy that involves creating content dedicated to different cities or local areas within a website. This method aims to boost search engine visibility for local searches by providing relevant, localized content for each specific area. However, with Google’s latest core update, the way city silos are implemented could significantly impact their effectiveness.
Impact of Scaled Content Abuse on City Silos
Google’s crackdown on scaled content abuse is particularly relevant to city silos. This policy targets the creation of large volumes of content that are essentially unoriginal or serve primarily to manipulate search rankings rather than to provide genuine value to users. Here’s how it could affect city silos:
Unoriginal Content
City silos that replicate content across multiple pages with only minor changes (e.g., altering the city name) risk being flagged as unoriginal. This practice falls squarely under the definition of scaled content abuse and could lead to penalties.
Manipulation of Search Rankings
If the primary goal of city silos is to manipulate search rankings rather than deliver genuinely useful, localized information, this could be deemed manipulative under the new policy.
Quality Over Quantity
The emphasis is increasingly on the quality and value of content over the volume. City silos perceived as an attempt to game the system rather than add real value could be penalized.
How You Should Avoid Getting Hit by This Core Update?
To ensure your local SEO efforts remain effective and compliant with Google’s new policies and E-E-A-T parameters, consider the following tips:
- Unique, Valuable Content: Ensure each page within a city silo offers unique and valuable content tailored to the local audience. Avoid duplicating content across pages with minor alterations.
- User-first Approach: Align your content strategy with the goal of providing helpful information to users, not just improving search rankings.
- Legitimate Localization: Have a clear, legitimate reason for creating separate pages for different cities, such as offering specific details about services, products, or events unique to each location.
Google’s March 2024 core update serves as a reminder of the importance of quality and relevance in content creation. As local SEO strategies evolve in response to these changes, businesses that prioritize genuine value and user satisfaction in their localized content will be best positioned for success in the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization.
So What are you waiting for?
Contact Our SEO Services at Blue Interactive Agency
As websites “survive” another Google Core Update, our Fort Lauderdale-based digital marketing agency stands ready to be your partner in success. By prioritizing ethical SEO practices and integrating a comprehensive array of digital marketing services, we are dedicated to driving results that matter. Engaging with our team means choosing to enhance your digital footprint, achieving superior search engine rankings, and fostering sustainable business growth in an increasingly competitive online world. Please contact our marketing agency at (954) 779-2801 today for more SEO tips for your business.
