It’s about time. Google originally announced that the latest iteration of its ‘Helpful Content Update’ would be finalised two weeks after it initially rolled out back in December 2022, however was then paused for the Christmas period. A week after it finally finished (Jan 12th ’23) we can see some interesting changes within the SERPs.
Supposedly put in place to enhance a users journey on a site, with an aim to deliver only the highest quality information and to weed out those lovely AI bots writing what would seem to be ‘human created content’. After an initial review, we’ve found that for certain phrases Google is favouring the main companies, such as prioritising Apple for the “refurbished” phrases as seen below. Pre-update these were initially taken up by resellers that bought and sold iPhones & other Apple items, as “refurbished products”.
But for example below, the phrase ”refurbished iphone” has now seen Apple dominate the top spot:
As it has only been a week at the time of writing since the finalisation of the latest iteration, it is likely that we may see the dust settle and more third-party sites move back up to reclaim these positions, but further research over time will have to be conducted.
Overall, has this been a useful update? As with most of Google updates Yes & No. As always some sites will benefit, whereas smaller sites may feel that drop of the Google hammer.
As always some sites will benefit, whereas smaller sites may feel that drop of the Google hammer.
Are you seeing the effects in your organic traffic or think you may be affected by the latest Google update? Feel free to send an email to info@lemontopdigital.com or use the contact form below and we’d be happy to help.
