Introduction

The September Helpful Content Update has made waves in the SEO world, significantly affecting many websites’ performance in search rankings. In this article, D&D SEO Services will help you understand the reasons for this update’s impacts and offer actionable strategies to protect your website’s performance.

Understanding the September Helpful Content Update

The Helpful Content Update, rolled out on September 14th, is Google’s latest move to prioritize high-quality, user-centric content while demoting content that doesn’t meet these criteria. The update aims to improve search results by promoting content that genuinely benefits the user.

97% of search engine users search online to find a local business. If users want to find a local business online, they turn to search engine users first.

Causes of Being Affected

This update is a wake-up call for websites that have exploited Google’s understanding of topical authority to their benefit. Rather than relying on manipulative tactics, the focus has shifted toward producing high-quality, relevant content that serves the end-user.

Impact Analysis

Affected websites can expect to experience drops in rankings, reduced visibility in search results, and even potential penalties from Google. The changes may also lead to fluctuations in search rankings and a decrease in organic traffic to your website.

  •  80% of local searches convert

  • 50% of users visit a store within a day of a local search

  • 91% of consumers 18-34 years-old trust businesses with positive reviews

Identifying if You Were Affected

To check if your website has been impacted by the September Helpful Content Update, keep an eye on your web traffic metrics and keyword rankings. Utilize Google Search Console to gain insights into your website’s performance and pinpoint issues that could be affecting it.

Steps to Recover and Improve

To mitigate the negative effects of this update, focus on the following:

  1. Content Audit: Assess your current content, especially pages with thin or low-quality information.
  2. Keyword Optimization: Ensure your content aligns with relevant keywords and phrases that are pertinent to the user’s queries.
  3. User Experience: Enhance the navigational aspects of your site to improve user engagement and satisfaction.

At D&D SEO Services, our experts can help you with each of these aspects to ensure a strong recovery and ongoing success.

Future-Proofing Your Website

Securing long-term search ranking success post-update entails continuous content updating and optimization. Adherence to Google’s evolving guidelines is crucial. A proactive approach, coupled with a focus on high-quality, user-centric content, can make your site resilient to future changes.

Conclusion

The September Helpful Content Update serves as a significant turning point for how Google ranks websites. Grasping the causes and ramifications of this update is vital for website owners who wish to maintain their online visibility.

D&D SEO Services offers you the tools and strategies to recover from this update and improve your site’s performance in search results. Contact us now for more information.