On March 15, Google Search released its first core update of the year, the March 2023 Broad Core Update. The rollout can take up to two weeks to complete, according to Google guidelines.

Google’s March 2023 Broad Core Update

The March 2023 Core Update will target all types of content in all regions and languages to promote or reward high-quality, unique or high-value web pages. According to Google, nothing in this (or any) core update targets specific pages or sites.

“Instead,” wrote the tech giant, “the changes are about improving the way our system assesses content overall. These changes may cause some pages that were previously considered to perform better in search results.” was less rewarded for.

Some experts speculate that the update will be most troubling to the black-hat SEO community, who use tactics against Google’s guidelines to rank higher in search results.

Google’s latest core update affects marketers

Not much information is available about this core update. It may take several weeks for the full effects to be noticeable, as Google’s crawlers need to index and re-evaluate webpages.
Once the implementation is complete (around late March), Google will update its Ranking Update History page with more information.

Some SEO practitioners have reported changes due to online updates, such as a drop in traffic and a drop in keyword ranking position. Others have reported an increase in traffic, while still more say it is too early to tell.

SEO Practitioners: What To Do Now

Some amendments due to this core update may be temporary, rolling back once the update is fully implemented. However, pages experiencing permanent changes may require action.
While it’s still too early to analyze the lasting impact of this update, marketers can watch their pages carefully and follow this four-step action plan.

1) Monitor your site metrics closely

Monitor performance. Are you seeing transformation in page visitors, sessions, time spent on page, keyword position, etc.
You’ll want to monitor these numbers closely — especially in late March, after the update is complete.

2) Do a Website or Content Audit

If you see any degradation, consider conducting a content audit. Look for the most affected pages and what types of searches.
Measure against competitor content. For example, content that ranks above you for an accurate search may provide direct knowledge on a topic (as opposed to older content).

3) Focus on quality, valuable content

It’s no secret that Google puts a lot of weight on quality content. E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, and Credibility) has played a significant role in how content ranks on Google’s search engine results pages over the years.