What Google's core update in March means for small businesses in Tasmania

Keeping up with Google's constant changes can feel like an uphill battle... especially for small businesses in Tasmania who are already juggling day-to-day operations.

Just when you think you've got a handle on your online presence, a new update rolls out, shifting the digital terrain once more.

This includes the major recent update in March 2024, where Google has introduced a 'core update' that's set to impact how small businesses in Tasmania— and indeed, the world— appear in search results.

We wanted to take the time to explore the significance of this update for those involved in web design and SEO in Hobart, with actionable insights for in particular to enhance your digital marketing efforts.

In summary about Google's 2024 core update: 

• Google's March update is a big change when it comes to search, aiming to enhance search quality by prioritising original and high-value content over the spammy or low-effort material.
• Small businesses in Tasmania will need to adapt; focusing on creating quality content and following Google's revamped spam policies to stay competitive.
• With the digital landscape constantly evolving, businesses utilising web design Hobart can seize opportunities to improve their online presence and attract more traffic.

Understanding Google's March Core Update

With Google's March 2024 update, the playing field for small businesses in Tasmania is set for a pretty significant shift.

In short, this update enhances Google's algorithm and prioritises the visibility of high-quality, original content.

This is in contrast to ranking website which is considered unoriginal or spammy, which - particularly with the emergence of AI content in the past 12+ months, has seemingly flooded blog posts and website content.

For local businesses, particularly those dependant on digital marketing Hobart, this evolution further emphasises the now critical need for investing in both unique and engaging content.

Some key points include: 

• Quality and originality become paramount.
• Keyword stuffing (i.e. just filling an article, unnecessarily, with keywords) doesn't cut it anymore.
• User experience becomes even more important
• Relevant, well-researched content, are likely to see a boost
• Adhering to Google's guidelines is important to avoid being penalised

Businesses must adapt by enhancing their content strategies, focusing on the creation of valuable resources that truly meet the needs of their audience.

Here at Wakeford Digital, we're viewing the update not just a challenge but an opportunity for growth, one that will allow small and medium sized businesses to genuinely rise against their competitors when it comes to search.

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How will Google's March 2024 Update Impact Businesses In Tasmania?

Google and SEO Hobart go hand in hand, so it's important that we also explore the recent core update and its impact on local SEO strategies, especially for small businesses.

The update not just raises the bar for content quality but also tweaks the SEO playing field in a way that could, surprisingly, significantly benefit small businesses in Tasmania; but especially those that are ready to adapt and innovate when it comes to content creation.

Firstly, local SEO efforts will need to become more sophisticated.

The days of simple keyword insertion and basic SEO tricks are dwindling and Google's refined algorithm is looking deeper, evaluating the relevance, usability, and overall value of content to users.

What does this mean? It means small businesses in Tasmania must double down on understanding their audience's needs and in turn, creating content that not only answers those needs but does so in a way that's engaging and informative (i.e. content relevance).

Secondly, this update could be a massive opportunity for local businesses in terms of visibility.

With the updates focus on penalising low-effort, spammy content, high-quality local content has a better chance of rising to the top.

This is particularly important forbusinesses, where showcasing expertise and local knowledge can now make a bigger difference in search rankings.

So, how do you create high quality content?

Our five tips for creating high-quality content to stay ahead of Google's March update:

1. Focus on Depth and Originality:

Dive deep into topics, offering unique insights and comprehensive coverage that sets your content apart.

Dom says, "But also ensure these are relevant, this is really important. There's no point spending time and effort creating deep and insightful content if it's not relevant to your key audience."

2. User Experience is Key:

Ensure your content is not only informative but also easy to navigate, read, and engage with across all devices.

3. Engage with Authenticity:

Connect with your audience by addressing their questions and concerns genuinely, building trust and authority.

Dom says, "Think about adding post summaries and FAQ sections to directly and simply answer these questions."

4. Leverage Multimedia:

Incorporate videos, images, and infographics to complement your text, enhancing understanding and engagement.

Check out our videography services in Hobart if you're looking for examples of how videos can compliment your written content.

5. Continuous Improvement:

Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant, reflecting the latest trends and information.

Dom says, "This includes not just creating new content, but also analysing and optimising old content."

To summarise, adapting to Google's March 2024 update requires a shift towards more strategic, quality-focused SEO practices.

By embracing these changes, small businesses in Tasmania can enhance their digital footprint, offering valuable content that meets user expectations and, in turn, improves their search engine rankings.

Looking for help with your search engine optimisation in Hobart efforts? Get in touch with Wakeford Digital for a free SEO analysis or to view our Kickstarter SEO package - tailored to small businesses.

FAQs about Google's March Update

What defines high-quality content according to the new update?

‍High-quality content should offer valuable information, relevant to the audience, and demonstrate expertise as well as provide a good user experience, prioritising the needs and interests of users over search engine manipulation.

Learn more about Google's guidelines and update at https://blog.google/products/search/google-search-update-march-2024/

How can small businesses in Tasmania check if their content aligns with the new standards?

‍Businesses should review Google's updated guidelines and consider using tools like Google Search Console for insights on how their content performs under the new algorithms.

Will the update affect all websites immediately?

‍The impact of core updates may take time to fully manifest across all search results, but we've already noticed some gradual changes observed as the new algorithms are implemented.

What should Tasmanian businesses do if they notice a drop in search rankings?

‍Focus on improving content quality (see our five tips above), ensure compliance with Google's guidelines, and consider consulting with SEO professionals to address specific issues.

Can small businesses still compete with larger companies under the new update?

‍Yes, the update actually levels the playing field by prioritising content quality over brand size, offering opportunities for small businesses to outrank larger competitors with superior content.

In summary...

Google's March 2024 core update represents a significant shift in how search results are determined, particularly emphasising the importance of quality content and user experience.

For small businesses in Tasmania, adapting to these changes is crucial for maintaining search engine visibility and competitiveness online and when it comes to digital marketing.

By focusing on creating high-quality, relevant content and adhering to Google's guidelines, Tasmanian businesses can navigate the changes successfully and even find new opportunities for growth.

If you've got any questions or queries about how Google's recent update may impact your small business, feel free to get in touch with us at Wakeford Digital to chat!