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Key Takeaways
- Google updated its algorithm to target spammy content on June 27th, 2024.
- Websites with thin content, keyword stuffing, or AI-generated content without human editing might get penalised.
- Focus on high-quality, user-friendly content to stay in Google’s good graces and avoid traffic drops.
Remember that swanky new website you launched a few months back?
The one designed to be a magnet for online traffic?
If you haven’t seen the kind of visitor influx you were hoping for, a recent Google update might be why.
What do we know so far?
Google just dropped a core algorithm update aimed squarely at spammy content.
This update was first announced on June 20th this year…
…And based on the Google Search Status Dashboard, it was finalised on June 27th.Â
Basically, this update from Google targeted websites with junk content.
This isn’t about who links to your site.
Rather, it’s focused on the quality of the information you have on your website itself.
Google is keeping the exact details of the update under wraps…
Which is definitely frustrating for website owners.
But here’s the thing: Google wants to make sure people searching for stuff online find the best websites —
Not websites trying to trick the system.
They don’t want websites to use sneaky tactics to rank higher in search results.
While specifics are limited, we can make some guesses based on their spam policies.
Here are some things that might have gotten flagged:
- Thin Content
Pages with very few words, repetitive information, or content that doesn’t answer user searches properly. - Keyword Stuffing
Forcing keywords into your content repeatedly — even if it sounds awkward and difficult to read. - Automatically Generated Content
Content created by AI programs without human editing or quality control. - Hidden Content
Text hidden from users but visible to search engines — e.g. text with the same colour as the background, text size too small to read, etc. - Doorway Pages
Pages created solely to redirect users to another website. - Affiliate Spam
Website overflowing with ads and links trying to sell you stuff. They don’t give people actual info about the products themselves.
What could this Google spam update mean for you?
Okay, let’s start with the good news.Â
This update wasn’t about punishing websites.
Google wants to connect users with websites that offer valuable information and a positive experience.
So, if your website was providing high-quality content and a user-friendly experience, you probably saw little to no change.
On the flip side, websites relying on outdated SEO tactics or prioritising quick wins might have seen a traffic dip.Â
But what does this update mean?
If your website is a collection of one-sentence summaries, it’s time for an overhaul.
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and push out detailed explanations and helpful resources.
While you’re at it, write content that reads naturally —
And provides genuine value to people.
Google is also cracking down on AI-generated content that lacks originality.
No, you don’t have to break up with your writing assistant for good.
You just have to spend more time polishing the content before hitting Publish.
The bottom line is…
You can’t just churn out content for content’s sake anymore.
Creating valuable content takes time, effort, and maybe even a bit of sweat…
But the payoff will be huge.
What else can you do to avoid being penalised?
The June update was a heads-up, but it’s also a good chance to improve your website.
Here are some extra tips to keep your website safe from future penalties:
- Make your website user and mobile-friendly
You want it to be easy to find things, look nice, and work well on your phone. People should be able to find what they need quickly. - Keep technical SEO in check
You need good content as the engine, but you also need a sleek design (mobile-friendly) and a smooth ride (fast loading speed).
- Build backlinks naturally
The more high-quality websites that link to yours, the more Google trusts you. But these links should happen because you’ve created good content. Don’t go out and beg other websites to link to you.
- Stay on Google’s good side
They regularly update their Search Quality Guidelines. Check these rules every now and then and make sure you follow them.
In the end, it’s all about quality content
The June 2024 Google update sent a clear message: websites need to deliver high-quality content — and do it consistently.
Forget stuffing your website with junk content or trying to trick Google.
Create informative and interesting stuff that people actually find helpful.
This way, your website will stay ahead of the game as Google keeps changing its rules.
Google wants to connect people with the best possible websites.
By focusing on creating content that users find valuable, you’re more likely to rank higher in search results.
