Google’s Helpful Content Update: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly cover what the Helpful Content Update is all about. In a nutshell, it’s an update to Google’s search algorithm that aims to improve search results by prioritizing websites with high-quality, helpful content. This means Google will be looking even more closely at the value and relevance of your content to determine your website’s ranking in the search results.

Why is This Update Important?

Well, as a small business owner, you know that getting your website on the first page of Google’s search results can make a huge difference in attracting new customers. With the Helpful Content Update, Google is making it clear that quality, user-focused content is king. By ensuring your website’s content meets the new standards, you’ll have a better chance of climbing up those rankings and capturing the attention of potential customers.

One of the core concepts in Google’s new update is E-A-T, which stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This isn’t a new concept, but it’s taking on an even bigger role in the Helpful Content Update. Here’s a breakdown of what E-A-T means for you and your website:

• Expertise: Show your visitors that you know what you’re talking about. Make sure your content is well-researched, accurate, and written by people who have experience or knowledge in your industry.

• Authoritativeness: Establish yourself as a reliable source of information. Earn the respect of your peers and customers by showcasing positive reviews, testimonials, or endorsements. Don’t be shy about highlighting your achievements and accomplishments.

• Trustworthiness: Make your website a safe and secure place for your visitors. Ensure that your site is easy to navigate, has a clear privacy policy, and uses secure connections (like HTTPS) to protect user information.

User intent refers to the goal or purpose a person has when they type a query into a search engine. In the Helpful Content Update, Google is placing more emphasis on understanding user intent and providing search results that directly address their needs.

To align your content with user intent, put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What are they looking for when they search for your products or services? What questions do they have? What problems are they trying to solve? By focusing on these aspects, you can create content that speaks directly to their needs and wants, making it more likely to rank higher in search results.

Quality Over Quantity

It’s important to remember that the Helpful Content Update is all about quality. It’s no longer enough to churn out lots of content just to have a bigger presence online. Instead, focus on creating fewer, high-quality pieces that truly help your users. This means investing time and effort into researching, writing, and editing your content to ensure it’s top-notch.

In today’s digital world, users expect more than just text on a webpage. They want engaging, multimedia experiences that provide value and entertainment. So, consider incorporating images, videos, and interactive elements into your content. Not only will this make your website more appealing to visitors, but it also signals to Google that you’re providing a rich and diverse experience, which can help boost your rankings.

Keep Your Content Fresh

Regularly updating your content is essential for staying relevant and maintaining a strong presence in search results. The Helpful Content Update encourages businesses to keep their content up-to-date and accurate. Make sure you’re routinely reviewing and updating your content, adding new information, or improving existing material to ensure it stays fresh and valuable for your users.

While the primary focus of the Helpful Content Update is on user experience, it’s still important to optimize your content for search engines. This means using relevant keywords and phrases naturally throughout your content, creating compelling meta titles and descriptions, and using header tags to organize your content. These elements help search engines understand your content and can contribute to improved rankings.

For more information on keywords and meta tags, please see our article on Organic SEO

One of the best ways to create content that resonates with your target audience is to engage with them directly. This can be through social media, blog comments, or even customer surveys. By listening to your audience and understanding their needs and preferences, you can tailor your content to better address their concerns and provide value.

Developing a content plan can help you stay organized and ensure that you’re consistently producing high-quality content that aligns with your overall marketing strategy. Outline your goals, target audience, and content topics, and create a schedule for when and how often you’ll publish new content. By planning ahead, you’ll be better prepared to create and manage content that meets the standards of the Helpful Content Update.

Leverage social media

Promoting your content on social media is a great way to reach a wider audience, drive traffic to your website, and establish your brand online. Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. By being active on social media, you can build relationships with your audience and increase your chances of being noticed by Google.