Google has once again blessed us with a new update – the Helpful Content Update. Just when you think you’re giving SEO a good go, they change it up! Well, we’re here to save you some time by breaking down what you need to know.
The update was officially launched in August – as phase one. In early December, Google launched phase two of the update.
The Helpful Content Update aims to improve how Google scrolls through searches, with a new focus on prioritising people-first content. Finally, content created for people is prioritised over machines because, well, we’re the ones reading the content – duh!
Let’s jump into the takeaways you need to know from the changes rolling out over 2022/2023.
Why the Helpful Content Update needed to happen
So why the change?
How many times have you typed a search term into Google only to find something that sounds like it’s been written by a robot?
Well, no more – according to Google.
Google’s new changes are deprioritising articles that don’t contain helpful information to the reader. Say goodbye to the fluff and tiptoeing around the answers that you’re really looking for.
The Helpful Content Update aims to help your visitors feel like they’ve had a satisfying experience after leaving a web page, instead of leaving just as puzzled as before they jumped on Google.
How will the update affect you?
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, always write with a specific person in mind. To ensure your content aligns with the new update, there are a couple of questions to add to your mental checklist when creating content:
- Do you have an intended audience?
- Does your content showcase your depth of expertise in your field?
- Would your audience feel like they’ve learned enough after exiting off a page?
If these questions leave you questioning your content, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to have a chat about how we can take your content to the next level.
Putting people-content first!
As Google begins to filter out content that’s not informative, you may be thinking; “what now?”
Now’s the time to take note of your current SEO statistics and performance rate. There are many different sites out there that can help you with this. One of our favourites is Neil Patel’s UberSuggest! Or you could simply login to your analytics site (for example Google Analytics) and take note of the number of people visiting time on a page and the bounce rate and time on page.
Once the update has finished rolling out, you can compare your highest performing blogs and web pages to give you insight on which pages need to be reworked.
Are people leaving more quickly? Are less people visiting? Are they spending less time on the page?
If so, your piece of content might need a bit more work.
While we can’t tell you when the update will hit your website as it is being rolled out incrementally over the internet, you might notice a shift in your data.
At the end of the day, don’t be scared of Google updates.
Instead, stay educated on them and use the information available to ensure you are maintaining an SEO efficient website.
Would you prefer to stay naïve and handover the work to an expert?
We can help!
Book a meeting with our Chief Marketer Holly Martin to discuss your website and business goals and needs.
