Google is Cracking Down on Low-Quality Content

Gone are the days of trying to “game the system” by writing online content specifically to show up in search results. Google just announced that the company will start cracking down on websites that produce search-driven and low-quality content (think articles or web pages stuffed with keywords.) Instead, Google will start prioritizing web pages with content that appeals to the actual humans reading it, not just websites looking to get more clicks. We’ve read through Google’s new announcement so you don’t have to; keep reading to learn more!

Change is coming

People turn to the web to find more information on topics that matter to them. There’s nothing more frustrating than combing through websites that do not actually provide valuable information, but instead read like they were written for a computer. That’s because many websites have been designed to do precisely that. Aggregator sites exist to churn out quick content that does not provide readers with valuable information but instead packs it with keywords to help a website rank higher in search. Well, change is coming! Google will now focus on promoting websites that provide well-written content with real people in mind. 

How will this affect my website?

There’s no way to know what kind of effect this is going to have on current websites because the change is just rolling out. Google’s main goal is to target the low-quality aggregator sites we mentioned above, but it’s important to keep an eye on your website’s analytics in the meantime. Google has tested this new feature on certain users and the feedback found that this change will especially improve results related to online education, arts and entertainment, shopping, and tech-related content. If your business falls into one of these four categories, you’ll want to pay extra close attention to your analytics reports over the next several months.

Here’s an example of what Google is trying to accomplish

In their announcement, Google stated, “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.”

But wait, there’s more

Not only will the algorithm start promoting more quality website content, but it will focus on higher rankings for authentic and helpful user reviews, too. You’ll start to see that online product reviews with in-depth and first-hand expertise will start ranking higher in search results. Google’s goal is to give higher rankings to reviews that are original and provide real insight into a product’s effectiveness. This will help users make more informed purchasing decisions while researching items online.

Pink Dog Digital is here to help

Are you concerned about how these new changes may affect your website’s ranking online? Rest assured that Pink Dog Digital is doing everything in our power to monitor our clients’ websites in light of this recent announcement from Google. Our team is working to revise older content to reflect these new SEO changes, while also keeping these specific guidelines in mind for future content. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at pinkdogdigital@gmail.com, call us at 410-696-3305, or contact us via our website.