Google in the News: Google’s Latest Core Update, Google’s Anti-Spam Update, AI Content, and the Future of Third-Party Cookies

By Bertrand Van der Berg |

Google’s Latest Core Update

Google’s March 2024 Core Update has brought significant changes to its search algorithms and systems. This update, more extensive than usual, is designed to reduce unhelpful, irrelevant, and unoriginal content from search results. Websites found violating Google’s guidelines or employing questionable SEO tactics will not only be penalized but completely removed both from the search results and the index.

Google’s Anti-Spam Update

In addition to the core update, Google has also rolled out an anti-spam update. This update targets websites that use manipulative or deceptive behavioral tactics to trick search engines. This includes tactics such as cloaking, sneaky redirects, and hidden text or links.

Targeting Low-Quality AI Generated Content

While there is no specific mention of Google targeting low-quality AI-generated content, the core update’s focus on reducing unhelpful and irrelevant content implies that AI-generated content that does not provide value to users could be affected. This includes:

  • Content that is overly repetitive or nonsensical.
  • Content that is not original or does not provide any new information.
  • Content that is generated solely for SEO purposes and does not provide value to users.

The Future of Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies have been a staple of internet advertising for years, allowing advertisers to track users across multiple websites and deliver personalized ads. However, due to privacy concerns, Google has announced that it will phase out third-party cookies in Chrome by 2023.

This has significant implications for advertisers and businesses that rely on personalized ads. Without third-party cookies, these businesses will need to find new ways to deliver personalized ads and measure their effectiveness.

Solving These Problems

Adapting to these changes will require businesses to rethink their digital marketing strategies. Here are a few potential solutions:

  • First-Party Data: Businesses can collect first-party data directly from their customers. This can include data from transactions, website analytics, and customer feedback.
  • Contextual Advertising: Instead of targeting ads based on user behavior, businesses can target ads based on the content of the website or webpage that the user is viewing.
  • Quality Content: With Google’s latest core update targeting low-quality content, businesses should focus on creating high-quality, original content that provides value to users. Remove low quality and spammy content.

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