Google Cracking Down on Spam
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a constant dance with Google’s ever-evolving algorithms. On June 20th, 2024, Google rolled out its latest spam update, concluding a week-long process aimed at weeding out websites violating its search quality guidelines. While details remain scarce, here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about the June 2024 Google spam update and its potential impact on your website’s search rankings.
If you’re looking for highly-rated digital marketing services, look no further than Now Media Group! As a full-service digital marketing agency, we’ll work with you to ensure you get the services you need, whether it’s local SEO or social media marketing, to rank at the top of your niche.
To schedule your free strategy call, contact our team today at (858) 333-8950.
What Are Google Spam Updates?
Google regularly updates its algorithms to enhance user experience by delivering high-quality and relevant search results. Spam updates specifically target websites that use manipulative tactics to rank higher in search results. These tactics can include keyword stuffing, cloaking, doorway pages, and other forms of web spam. The June 2024 update is a continuation of Google’s efforts to refine its algorithms and crack down on such practices.
Key Changes in the June 2024 Spam Update
Google confirmed this update targeted websites violating its spam policies, which encompass a wide range of practices including:
- Thin content: Content lacking depth, substance, or value to users. This could include automatically generated content (especially problematic after the March 2024 Google update), scraped content from other sources, or content with minimal text and heavy reliance on irrelevant keywords.
- Keyword stuffing: Unnaturally cramming keywords into content to manipulate search rankings. This makes the content unreadable and hurts user experience.
- Cloaking: Serving different content to search engines than what users see. This deceptive tactic attempts to trick search algorithms.
- Hidden redirects: Deceitfully redirecting users to unintended destinations after they click on a link.
- Link manipulation: Buying or selling links to artificially inflate a website’s authority in Google’s eyes. Techniques like guest posting solely for backlinks fall under this category.
- Malicious code: Embedding malware or other harmful code within a website can trigger a spam penalty.
What the Update Didn’t Target
While it’s vital to know what this update did target, it’s also important to know what the June 2024 update wasn’t focused on. Google clarified that this wasn’t a link-specific update, meaning link profiles weren’t the sole target. Additionally, the update didn’t automate enforcement of the site reputation abuse policy, which tackles spammy websites with a history of negative user experiences or violations. These penalties are still issued manually by Google.
Was Your Website Affected?
The rollout of the June 2024 update concluded on June 27th, 2024. If you noticed a significant drop in your website’s ranking during this period, it’s possible the update identified some spammy practices on your site. Here are some red flags to look out for:
- A sudden drop in organic traffic: A noticeable decline in visitors coming from search engines could indicate a ranking penalty.
- Increased bounce rate: If users are landing on your site but quickly leaving, it suggests your content might be thin or irrelevant.
- Manual spam actions in Google Search Console: Google Search Console can notify you of any manual actions taken against your site for violating spam policies.
Recovering from a Spam Update
If you suspect your website has been hit by the update, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to recover:
- Review Google’s Search Quality Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Google’s expectations for high-quality content and website practices.
- Audit your website content: Identify and remove any thin, low-quality, or keyword-stuffed content. Ensure your content offers genuine value to users.
- Focus on creating high-quality content: Prioritize creating informative, well-written content that addresses your target audience’s needs and search intent.
- Improve user experience: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and free from technical errors.
Stay Ahead of the SEO Game with Now Media Group
Are you looking for a digital marketing agency to provide you with SEO services to ensure you stay ahead of your competition and on top of Google algorithm updates? Now Media Group is here to help!
To learn more about how we can help you reach a wider online audience and boost your search engine rankings, contact our dedicated team of digital marketers today by calling (858) 333-8950.