Google’s September 2023 Algorithm Update: What You Need to Know

In a recent announcement, Google unveiled its much-anticipated September 2023 Helpful Content Update, which is set to conclude its rollout in two weeks. This update brings significant changes to the search engine’s algorithm, with a particular focus on content quality and relevance. Let’s delve into the key highlights of this update and understand how it may impact website rankings.

Google’s Helpful Content System

Before we dive into the specifics of the September update, it’s essential to understand Google’s Helpful Content System. This system aims to promote high-quality content while reducing the visibility of content that doesn’t provide value to users. It works hand in hand with other ranking systems to evaluate the quality of web content.

The September Helpful Content Update: What’s New?

The September update introduces several important changes to Google’s algorithm:

1. Loosened Guidance on Machine Generated Content: Google has revised its stance on machine-generated content. While the previous guidance emphasized prioritizing human-created content, the new guidance removes this distinction. It now simply emphasizes the importance of original, helpful content for users.
2. Third-Party Content on Main Website or Subdomains: Websites hosting third-party content on their main pages or subdomains should take heed. Google’s update advises caution in doing so, as such content may now be considered in site-wide signals related to helpfulness. If this third-party content is unrelated to the main site’s purpose or lacks proper supervision, Google recommends blocking it from indexing.
3. Helpful Content Self-Assessment Guidance Updated: Google’s self-assessment guidelines for creating valuable content have also been updated. These changes include evaluating content for expertise, discouraging the practice of changing dates on pages without substantial updates, and cautioning against adding or removing content solely for the purpose of appearing “fresh.”

Insights from Google’s Gary Illyes

Gary Illyes, a key figure at Google, shed light on the update’s focus on micro-sites. Many users had reported these micro-sites, which they believed should not have ranked. Illyes explained that these sites, often of low quality and unrelated to the parent site, were used to manipulate search results. Google aims to address this issue through the September update.

Understanding Sitewide Signals

A question arose regarding the application of site-wide signals to subdomains. Gary Illyes clarified that different signals could operate at the URL level, pattern level, host level, or domain level, indicating the complexity of Google’s ranking system.

New Guidance on Recovering from Helpful Content Update

In a move to help websites recover from any adverse effects of the Helpful Content Update, Google offers guidance. If a site experiences a drop in traffic following the update, Google advises site owners to self-assess their content. Identify and rectify unhelpful content by referring to Google’s self-assessment questions for creating user-friendly content.

Conclusion

Google’s September 2023 Helpful Content Update represents a significant shift in how the search engine evaluates and ranks web content. Website owners and content creators should pay close attention to these changes, especially if they host third-party content or rely on machine-generated content. Adhering to Google’s updated guidelines for content quality is crucial for maintaining and improving search rankings in this evolving landscape.

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