A Complete Guide to the March 2023 Google Core Update

Google's algorithm is constantly updated in order to improve search quality. Google released the March 2023 Google Core Update this month, which affects search on SERPs.

It's been six months since the last core update was released by Google, in September 2022, to be precise.

This update applies widely and has a significant impact on search systems and algorithms.

The Google Core Update March 2023, which includes this core update, can affect search results page rankings.

To get to know more about the March 2023 Google Core Update, let's look at the information in this guide.

Get to Know Google Core Update

A core update is something that is done several times a year by Google.

The main goal of such an update is to maintain search quality on Google.  That way, web users get content that is relevant to their search intent.

This algorithm change certainly has an impact on website performance that has been optimized based on SEO principles.

It is not uncommon to find websites that have experienced increases or decreases in rankings. But that doesn't mean that pages that rank lower break the rules.

For this reason, Google provides a list of questions to consider when your website is affected by a core update.

Google states that there is a recovery phase between core updates.  But the biggest changes can be seen after the latest core update.

How the March 2023 Google Core Update Works

When the Google Core Update is released, you will find a decrease in ranking on several website pages.  This is a common impact of such core updates.

The Google Core Update of March 2023 will also have the same impact. However, this is not a big problem.

This March 2023 update does not target any specific niche pages or websites.

Instead, this update optimizes Google's system for assessing the overall quality of content.

The existence of the March 2023 Google Core Update allows pages that are ranked below to experience increased performance on search results pages.

When compared, Google Core Update works like a list of the most popular things in a certain year. For example, the most popular song list in 2022 will be updated in 2023.

Therefore, do not be surprised if the list has changed, with several songs occupying new positions because of the reassessment.

In short, Google's algorithm aggregates content that deserves a higher ranking than some of the content at the top of search at that time.

These contents will occupy a higher position than before.  On the other hand, other content will automatically experience a decrease in ranking.

Things that Need to be Considered

In response to the March 2023 Google Core Update, there are a number of things that website managers need to pay attention to.

Be sure to consider the following factors when seeing changes in website performance due to core updates:

Give Time

The March 2023 Google Core Update has just been implemented on March 15, 2023. However, the effects can only be seen some time later.

The impact of this algorithmic change cannot be seen immediately after its rollout to search activity on Google.

This is because the roll-out process takes about 2 weeks. During this period, website rankings on the SERP fluctuated.

Therefore, it is important to always pay attention to keyword ranking during that period. To check page position based on keywords, you can use a rank tracker, such as SEQUENCE STATS.

Check Traffic and Ranking

To observe website performance, you also need to check the volume of organic traffic after the update is implemented.

The traffic that enters the website in that time period can be compared to that before the release of the core update.

Apart from that, you also need to see whether the ranking of website pages in the SERP has increased or decreased.

Observation in this area can help you see the effects of a core update and identify issues that might be causing a decrease in overall website performance.

That way, you can also rearrange SEO strategies that can improve website performance after being affected by a core update.

Pay Attention to Content Quality

The most important thing to pay attention to after the March 2023 Google Core Update is the quality of the content.

Google always considers the quality of website content to present search results that are most relevant to search queries.

In order for the content to be optimized properly, you can add relevant information and keywords to strengthen its position in the SERP.

Furthermore, ensure that the website's content can answer questions from your target audience. Remember that users' needs are the main thing that Google cares about.

If the content is unable to provide relevant answers to user questions, then Google will think that the content is irrelevant and lower its ranking.

Keep an Eye on the Technical Aspects

Apart from the quality of the content, you also need to pay attention to the technical aspects of the website to improve its performance after the release of the core update.

If content optimization focuses on targeted keywords and relevant information, SEO strategies that can be implemented on the technical side include page speed, mobile friendliness, and sitemap.

These three factors are important things that can support website performance when properly optimized.

For that, you need to check the website technically. You can use the following cmlabs tools: Page Speed ​​Test, Mobile Friendly Test, and Sitemap Generator.

What About Websites Affected by Core Update?

Google Core Update March 2023 is the latest update made by Google. Usually, this massive update is only done every few months.

Websites affected by the March 2023 core update may recover after the next core update is released.

However, Google continues to update the algorithm on a small scale. As minor as they may sound, these updates can restore content.

Aside from waiting for Google to restore website pages, you must also optimize or improve your website to meet the needs of presenting information in the SERP.

To make significant changes, content and website improvements must be implemented simultaneously.

Note that not all optimizations or improvements can guarantee an increase in a website's ranking or performance on the SERP.

In the top positions of search results, Google will continue to prioritize websites that present informative content that is relevant to search queries.

That's all the guide regarding the March 2023 Google Core Update that you need to know. Make sure to prepare yourself for another update from Google this year.

Each update can more or less affect your website. Therefore, make sure to always check the performance of the website so that it remains stable.

To maintain the performance of your website, use SEO services from specialists in their field. That way, the website's ranking on the SERP can be monitored regularly so that it can be optimized accordingly.