In order to ensure visitors have a positive experience, Google implemented a helpful content system that rewards quality content. While it will not directly punish content that is low-quality, higher-quality content will be put in front of users to ensure that search queries are answered appropriately.
The helpful content system can quickly identify low-quality content and separate it from more useful information. Their classification process is completely automated with the help of a machine-learning model that works across all languages. For even more information, be sure to check out the previous update:
Update Alert:
December 2022: Google releases the December 2022 helpful content update. It is expected to improve their classifier and work across content globally in all languages. The rollout was complete as of January 12, 2023.
Google Improves the Helpful Content System with its December 2022 Update
Google’s newest update has improved the helpful content system to better identify content created for search engines rather than people. In fact, they have added additional signals (AKA classifiers) that helps their algorithm to distinguish between the two types of content. As a result, they are now able to detect more low-quality content made specifically with search engine optimization in mind.
Why Do We Care?
As people who use Google’s search engine ourselves, this update is important for two reasons. First, it is quite frustrating to come across information and webpages that are specifically designed to rank well for SEO, but not actually have the information we are looking for. Generally, these pages will have “fluffed up” content and be stacked with keywords specifically so users land on their page. So yes, we are glad to see Google working on a solution to this issue.
Second, this update can give us data about our website and content. For example, if you notice that your website ranking or traffic has been impacted after this update, then it is a good indicator that you may want to go through your content and make sure it is created for people.
Tips for Website and Content Success
Whether your website has been hit by Google’s December 2022 Helpful Content Update, or you want to avoid having future issues, our recommendations are:
- Follow Google’s Quality Guidelines.
- Research and learn what Google considers a high-quality website, then make adjustments.
- Design and use an SEO strategy that gets your pages in front of searchers.
- Make sure your content is helpful for your audience. It needs to offer value, not just duplicate content from other websites.
NOTE: We cannot predict future algorithm changes. Therefore, if you don’t see impacts now, you may in the future. Even if you think you are doing everything right.
It can be annoying to have fluctuations in webpage success. Especially if you have already put a lot of time and care into your content. Don’t let it get you down though! At the very least, you can lean on the Cyberlicious® experts to get your website up to speed.