SEARCHENGINES
Google March 2023 Core Update Is Live
Google Search has started to roll out the first broad core update of the 2023 year, and this one is named the March 2023 broad core update. It began on March 15, 2023, at about 10:30 am ET and can take about two weeks to roll out, Google wrote. This update touched down fast and hard – it is a big one…
As a reminder, the Google February 2023 product reviews update finished rolling out on March 7th, 8-days afterward, Google began to roll out this broad core update.
So far, this update seems to have started off with a big bang, and I am seeing a ton of movement based both on the SEO chatter within the SEO community and the tracking tools are showing massive volatility. Honestly, this one seemed to have a more significant impact on more of the black-hat SEO community than the white-hat but that might be too premature to say.
Remember, these updates can take about two weeks to roll out, and sometimes, the changes you see within the first few days are not where things stick. So be patient and wait for the roll-out to complete before panicking.
Either way, this broad core update is starting off very strong, very quickly, and it is less than 24 hours since it started to roll out.
Google March 2023 Core Update
Here are the most important things that we know right now in short form:
- Name: Google March 2023 Broad Core Update
- Launched: March 15, 2023 at around 10:30 am ET
- Rollout: It will take about one to two weeks to roll out 2022
- Targets: It looks at all types of content
- Penalty: It is not a penalty, it promotes or rewards great web pages
- Global: This is a global update impacting all regions, in all languages.
- Impact: Google would not tell me what percentage of queries or searches were impacted by this update but so far, this seems to be a typical core update that reaches wide and the impact is fast.
- Discover: Core updates impact Google Discover and other features, also feature snippets and more.
- Recover: If you were hit by this, then you will need to look at your content and see if you can do better with Google’s core update advice.
- Refreshes: Google will do periodic refreshes to this algorithm but may not communicate those updates in the future. Maybe this is what we saw the past couple of weeks or all those unconfirmed Google updates.
Here is the tweet announcing:
Today we released the March 2023 core update. We’ll update our ranking release history page when the rollout is complete: https://t.co/sQ5COfdNcb
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) March 15, 2023
Previous Broad Core Updates
This will take a couple of weeks to roll out, and it has been just over six months since the last update, which was last the Septmeber 2022 core update which was on September 12, 2022. Then the May 2022 core update on May 25, 2022. Prior to that was the November 2021 core update on November 17th through November 30th. The previous core updates prior to the November update were the July 2021 and then a month prior to that with the June core update. The one before that was six months before the June update, on December 3, 2020, named the December 2020 core update. Before that was a 7-month gap where on May 4, 2020, the May 2020 core update. The one prior to that was on January 13, 2020, the January 2020 core update and the one before that was on September 24, 2019, the September 2019 core update. Oh, before that was on June 3, 2019, the June 2019 core update and I can go on and on.
SEO Chatter On March 2023 Core Update
There is some chatter at the WebmasterWorld forums, Black Hat World and in the comments here; some of the chatter started a day or so before the update officially rolled out. Here are some quotes from the threads:
I think might be a new update is on its ways.
Again, something is brewing right now. I feel google is about to push another update !
So far today 90% single page views are direct to selected widget page, country sources as normal.
I think these non-stop updates are designed to make us focus on something other than all the ads. To keep us chasing our tails so to speak.
I see no movement and no change in Google’s depressed traffic. And with all the ads, I don’t expect this core update to even be noticeable from our side, regardless of the outcome.
I’m not seeing a big reduction in overall traffic, but big drops to some landing pages with more competitive terms. The one-hit wonder page visits to lower-level single content pages continue, but that kind of traffic rarely converts like the more determined searchers looking through lots of content in one genre.
Displeased. Traffic was finally recovering from the last update. I was wondering why we were struggling again today. Our rankings are all over the place.
One of my blogs, released like three weeks ago, with original content, plagiarism 0, etc, was penalized by Google today… So yes, good luck making new websites these days.
I can confirm something is going on; our site for the main keyword dropped from position 1 to the 3rd page overnight. I hope it’s Google dance and will check later where it stays…
My white hat site has moved up above my black hat site.
I know it means nothing right now, but things are shaking up….
My website has just been doing SEO for three months, and the rankings have increased steadily every month, and many of keywords have entered the top 20. However, due to the impact of the update, a large number of my keywords have disappeared. In the next few days, I will Is there any chance of the website being restored?
Ugh, one of my sites seems to have gotten hit pretty badly. Any idea what it is about? Can’t find any info in the link you posted; maybe it’s coming.
Fish market in Poland today, SERPS are mixed. My one website already dropped from 1st to 2nd page 🙁
Once I woke up this morning, then checked the SERP… It looks like a fish market…
It’s not started till now to full shuffle, and my one website already dropped from 2nd to 9th, one website 1 to 4th, marketplace taking over the top position. what will happen, I don’t know hope for the best.
Pretty pissed off with this update this morning.
I’ve had a look for some of my keywords and they’ve taken a pounding. Instead, companies that own multiple websites have posted identical listicles (with the same photos) and just a few words changed and they’re sitting in the top spots.
What’s the point in writing quality content when they’re going to be pushing rubbish like that to the top spots?
That’s exactly what’s happening in my niche.
Sites from the same parent company writing the same content, targeting the same keyword, and having the same author, are taking the first page on Google.
More worrying is that these sites are exchanging links very very aggressively. Like they give links to each other with the same anchor text. Saw people are complaining about this on Reddit too.
It’s a real concern and shows how unethical Google is and why it needs to be replaced.
I also asked early this morning what folks are seeing on Twitter, here are some responses, to see them all, click through to my tweet:
One of our clients… it’s still super early but hoping for the best. pic.twitter.com/GbYY1il8fr
— Lily Ray 😏 (@lilyraynyc) March 16, 2023
Still far too early to really comment, and usually these things roll back a little. But for two of my sites the impact is BIG already.
Looking forward to reading the analysis after completion – I wouldn’t want to have to do it.
— Jason (The Affiliate School) (@nichejason) March 16, 2023
We are experiencing big trafic drop on Discover and google news since yesterday night
— Reda El-Fillali (@RedaELFiLLaLi) March 16, 2023
Yup. Big changes for our niche.
— Amro (@DrAmrohamed) March 16, 2023
Hey, great to hear. What does the reporting look like when you isolate Google organic? I think we’ll see a lot more movement in the next day or so.
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) March 16, 2023
My traffic suddenly dropped 50% since yesterday. Google’s at it again. Thanks! 😡
— Joel CZ (@JoelYelapa) March 16, 2023
@rustybrick experiencing huge fluctuations.
— amandeep singh (@Sig02108) March 16, 2023
Search results in Japan also moved dramatically at the moment.
They are back to normal now.— 塾長@もやしSEO (@jukuchou001) March 16, 2023
One of my sites advanced from 6-7 to 3rd spot for the most popular niche keyword (non-English market).
— Miloš Mileusnić (@mileusna) March 16, 2023
yes. bit unusual to see swings early in rollout, here in croatia.
most notable, lots of content that was ‘quarantined’ during pandemic due to lapses of reason and ethical treason’s is now surfacing. i feel there’s a lesson there, in terms of bias, factual accuracy and whatnot.
— Grabancijaš (@grabancijas) March 16, 2023
Tracking Tools On March 2023 Core Update
Most of the tracking tools are showing massive movement within the Google search results, and they are showing some significant volatility. Not all the tools are updated yet, so I will update the charts below throughout the day. So check back later for updated charts.
What have you all noticed so far?
Forum discussion at Twitter, Black Hat World and WebmasterWorld.
SEARCHENGINES
Daily Search Forum Recap: March 27, 2024
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
Google Local Service Ads is asking for more photos. SEOs, please don’t remove the contact us and about us pages. Hotels can remove pricing details from its Google listings. Google Local reviews is testing reactions. Google Analytics real time reporting had issues today. Google help documentation is testing using AI features.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
-
SEOs, Please Don’t Remove Contact Us & About Us Pages
Google’s John Mueller asked if it would be alright not to list a contact us and about us page on their website. The reason is, they would only add it if Google wanted it, but not for users. John Mueller responded, “I can think of good reasons for some sites to have these kinds of pages, but, after double-checking, there’s nothing in our search developer documentation that suggests this is needed.” -
Google Local Service Ads Sends Email Asking You To Upload Photos
Google is sending some Local Service Ads advertisers emails asking them to upload photos to their profiles. The email says, “Photos are coming to your Local Services Ads. Upload images to your profile to help your business stand out.” But don’t LSAs already contain photos? -
Google Search Developer Docs Gain AI Generated Help Features
A week ago Monday, March 18th, I noticed Google’s search developer documentation had generative AI features to help you find the answers to your question. This is in the form of an improved search, summary of the page content, a chat feature and more. I was told this was rolled out on some developer docs earlier in the year. -
Google Local Reviews Reactions Notice
In November 2023 we started to see Google allow reactions on local photos and some reviews. Well, it seems to be rolling out more widely now. -
Google Analytics Real Time Data Lagging Today
There are countless complaints across the forums and social media that Google Analytics real time data is lagging and not reporting accurately. It seems like those complaints are legit after checking a number of sites. -
Google Cafe Cleaning & Delivery Robot
You probably have seen these cleaning and delivery robots in some restaurants and lounges but have you seen them in the Google cafes? Here is one doing its thing at one of the cafes at the GooglePlex in Mountain View, California.
Other Great Search Threads:
- It’s also not a request for the site’s homepage nor for a comprehensive sorted list – it’s a restrict. Sometimes the homepage doesn’t show on top, I wouldn’t take that as a sign of anything in particular. It’s a bit easier with small sites, but not always, John Mueller on X
- It’s really refreshing to see this level of detail after an appeal is denied in GBP. This saves us a lot of time trying to get everything ship shape! Also – make sure you know who has admin access to your GBP, y’all.., Carrie Hill on X
- That’s correct – hreflang is not geotargeting, it’s all about alternate versions., John Mueller on X
- When I joined Google in early 2021, it was clear that regulatory & privacy changes and AI (automation) advancements would be key focus areas for marketers over the next several years. Fast-forward three years, and we’re now at the inflection point., AdsLiaison on X
- Hey Brett, This is currently in closed beta. I don’t have further details to share at this time, but we’re continuing to test it., AdsLiaison on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
SEO
- All about Core Web Vitals: INP (Interaction to Next Paint), Yoast
- Google Shopping GTIN Requirements Explained!, ZATO Marketing
- Google’s Helpful Content Update & Ranking System: What Happened and What Changed in 2024?, Amsive
- How to Do Keyword Mapping for SEO (+Free Template), WordStream
- Managing decentralized marketing for international SEO, Oncrawl
- Structured data for SEO: What you need to know, Wix SEO Hub
- The helpful content system has changed, Marie Haynes
- Why Site Speed Matters for SEO, Lumar
- Content Pruning: Why It Works, and How to Do It, Ahrefs
- Does Google rank AI content?, SERP’s Up SEO Podcast
- How To Survive 3 New Threats to Your SEO Strategy, Content Marketing Institute
PPC
Other Search
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, on Threads, Mastodon and Bluesky and you can follow us on Facebook and on Google News and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.
SEARCHENGINES
Daily Search Forum Recap: March 26, 2024
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
Google Search Console is testing an Android App. Google is testing places and places sites in the search bar menu. Google spoke about if a business should have a website and a blog. Google added 3D models to product structured data. Google Search does not support AVIF images, yet. Mikhail Parakhin stepped down as the head of Bing Search and Microsoft Advertising.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
-
Google Search Console Tests Android App
Google seems to be testing an Android App for Google Search Console. This comes several weeks after I reported that Google has no plans for a mobile app for Google Search Console. -
Google Tests Places & Places Sites Search Bar Filter Tabs
Yesterday we reported Google is testing products and products sites in the search bar tab in the European regions. Today, Google is testing places and places sites in the search bar tab in the European regions. -
Google: Should Small Service Businesses Start A Website & A Blog?
Google’s Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, was asked about if a business should always have a website and if so, should they also have a blog. Sullivan replied that he believes all businesses should have at least a basic website, but when it comes to a blog, that depends on what they have to say on that blog. -
Google Adds 3D Models Markup To Product Structured Data For Linking
Google has added new 3D models markup support to the product structured data documentation so that you can connect, associate or link your products to the appropriate 3D model. -
Google Search Does Not Support AVIF Images Just Yet
Did you know that Google Search does not support the AVIF image format? At least not yet. Google Search doesn’t list it on its supported image formats and Google Image Search simply won’t index them. But John Mueller of Google said on X, “I’m sure this won’t be necessary long term.” -
Mikhail Parakhin Steps Down As Head Of Bing Search & Microsoft Advertising
Mikhail Parakhin, the head of Bing Search and Microsoft Advertising, is stepping down from that role as Parakhin “decided to explore new roles.” We’ve quoted Mikhail Parakhin here countless times over the past couple of years, to hear that he is leaving the role makes me super sad. His transparency and willingness to listen to the community was amazing. -
St. Patrick’s Day Dancers At Google Ireland
Here is a video I found on Instagram from the Google Ireland office of dancers performing at the Google office in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. It looks like they call themselves the Golden Beats.
Other Great Search Threads:
Search Engine Land Stories:
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
SEO
PPC
Search Features
Other Search
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, on Threads, Mastodon and Bluesky and you can follow us on Facebook and on Google News and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.
SEARCHENGINES
Daily Search Forum Recap: March 25, 2024
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
Google is begging SEOs to stop trying to show Google things and work on showing their users things. Google is testing the Search Generative Experience in the wild to a subset of US users. Google says publishing more content doesn’t improve site quality. Google is testing products and product sites in the search bar. Google shares how to remove a subdomain of a subdomain in Google Search Console.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
-
Google Tests SGE AI Overviews In The Wild (Subset Of US Users)
On Friday, Google began to test SGE-based AI overviews in the real Google search results. That means you may see AI overview snapshot answers in Google search results without being opted into the Google search labs experiment. This is being tested on a small subset of searchers based in the U.S., Google told me. -
Google Begs SEOs To Stop Showing Google Things; Show Visitors Things Instead
Google’s Search Liaison responded to a series of posts on Twitter, leading him to beg SEOs to stop trying to “show Google” things, explaining that the process of doing things to your site to rank better in Google is the opposite of the advice Google is giving. Instead, show things to your users/visitors that those people will like. -
Google: Publishing More Content Doesn’t Improve Quality For Faster Indexing
A couple of weeks ago, Gary Illyes and Lizzi Sassman of Google had Dave Smart as a guest on the Search Off The Record podcast and they spoke about crawling. In one part, they said again that the quality of your site can impact how fast and how much Google will crawl your website. -
Google Tests Products & Product Sites Search Bar Filter Tabs
Google is now testing placing “product sites” as its own search bar filter tab in the search results. Also, Google is testing replacing “Shopping” with “Products” in that search bar. -
How To Remove A Subdomain Of A Subdomain Via Google Search Console
Let’s say you have a subdomain of a subdomain, such as sub.sub.domain.tld, how do you remove sub.sub.domain.tld from Google while keeping sub.domain.tld in the Google search results. The answer is to verify the sub.sub.domain.tld property directly in Search Console and remove just that property. -
Flock Of Geese At Google
Here is a flock of geese near the new Google Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. I guess the geese are making its way from the GooglePlex to the Bay View campus?
Other Great Search Threads:
Search Engine Land Stories:
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
SEO
PPC
Search Features
Other Search
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, on Threads, Mastodon and Bluesky and you can follow us on Facebook and on Google News and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.
-
SEO6 days ago
Contact Us Page Examples: 44 Designs For Inspiration
-
WORDPRESS7 days ago
WordPress Block Themes Explained in 250 Seconds – WordPress.com News
-
SEARCHENGINES6 days ago
Daily Search Forum Recap: March 22, 2024
-
PPC6 days ago
Mastering Lead Generation in Paid Search Advertising
-
SEARCHENGINES3 days ago
Daily Search Forum Recap: March 25, 2024
-
AFFILIATE MARKETING6 days ago
Legendary Marketer Accused of Misleading ‘Side Hustle’ Ads
-
MARKETING6 days ago
The 5 Best AI Relationship Chatbots in 2024 + How They Work
-
SEARCHENGINES5 days ago
Google Spam Update Done, Patience With Core Update, Helpful Content Recoveries, Yahoo Search Coming & New Head Of Google Search
You must be logged in to post a comment Login