Google’s Helpful Content System Update: A Global Expansion
Google has recently begun rolling out an update to its helpful content system, the first significant update to this system since it was launched in August 2022. This update, which impacts all languages, adds new signals and brings the helpful content update to a global scale.
What is the Helpful Content System and Why is it Important?
The helpful content system is designed to help Google’s algorithms identify content created primarily for ranking well in search engines rather than helping or informing people. This type of content, which is often referred to as “search engine-first” or “SEO content,” can be frustrating for searchers who land on unrelated web pages that rank well.
By targeting this type of content, Google’s helpful content system aims to help searchers find high-quality content. It also aims to downgrade websites that are unhelpful to users and promote websites that are designed for humans rather than search engines.
What’s New in the December 2022 Update?
The December 2022 update to the helpful content system expands the system to a global scale, impacting not just English but all languages. It also adds additional signals to help Google identify content created primarily for search engines rather than people.
How Will the Update Affect My Website?
Users may begin to notice ranking and visibility changes in Google searches that could be related to the update. If this update has negatively impacted your website, it may take several months to fully recover after making the necessary changes to your content. Google has provided a list of questions you can ask yourself about your content to determine if it aligns with the update. It is important to keep an eye on your site’s performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that the helpful content system is an ongoing effort by Google to reduce low-quality results and make it easier for users to find authentic and useful content in search. At BluShark Digital, we are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest news and best practices in digital marketing and helping our clients succeed in their online endeavors. If you have any questions or need assistance with your digital marketing efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.