How Will the October 2023 Google Broad Core Update Impact Your Rankings?

Search engine landscapes are no strangers to evolution. Google, since its inception, has regularly rolled out updates to its algorithm, ensuring users receive the most relevant and quality search results. This October, the digital world buzzed with the announcement of Google’s latest Broad Core Update. And while global in scope, for Australian businesses and webmasters, understanding its intricacies is crucial to maintain and potentially improve their online presence.

Understanding Google’s Broad Core Updates

Broad Core Updates are fundamentally different from Google’s daily or monthly tweaks. These are significant changes to Google’s main search algorithm that can influence search rankings on a global scale.

So, what exactly is a Broad Core Update? At its core (pun intended), this type of update aims to improve how Google determines the relevance of web pages in relation to queries. Instead of introducing new features or targeting specific issues, such as a security flaw, a Broad Core Update refines Google’s overall understanding of content quality and relevance.

In an Australian context, consider how the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) oversees fair competition. They ensure that businesses operate in an environment that is just and promotes consumer trust. Similarly, Broad Core Updates help Google’s ‘digital ecosystem’ remain trustworthy, ensuring that quality content creators get the recognition they deserve and users find the information they need.

Key Changes in the October 2023 Update

For Australian businesses and webmasters, it’s crucial to discern what changes have been rolled out in this update to optimise their web presence accordingly. Here’s a glimpse into the major shifts:

1. User Experience Enhancement: Gone are the days when stuffing keywords would guarantee top rankings. Google has been increasingly focusing on the overall user experience. With the October 2023 update, factors like page speed (particularly crucial for mobile users, given Australia’s mobile penetration rate), safety in browsing, and minimising intrusive pop-ups or interstitials have taken an even more significant role.
2. Elevated Content Quality Standards: This is not just about well-written content anymore. The update emphasises E-A-T, which stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. In the realm of Australian digital content, for instance, a health website might now need to ensure that articles are written or reviewed by recognised professionals in the medical field. Merely writing general advice won’t cut it. Consider referencing established Australian bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) when discussing health related topics.
3. Refined Technical SEO Elements: With the 2023 update, Google is encouraging website owners to think beyond traditional SEO metrics. For instance, structured data, which helps Google understand the context of your content better, has gained prominence. Australian e-commerce sites can benefit greatly from this by integrating structured data for products, reviews, and more, enhancing their visibility in search results.
4. Strengthened Local SEO Metrics: Local businesses in Australia, be it the café in Melbourne or the boutique store in Sydney, need to pay keen attention here. Google’s update has made tweaks to how local searches are ranked. The depth of reviews, accuracy of local citations, and the overall consistency of Google My Business listings are pivotal. In line with Australian laws, ensure that all reviews are genuine and not incentivised, abiding by the guidelines set by the ACCC regarding online reviews.

Preparing and Adapting for the Update

In response to this update, a proactive approach can make all the difference. Here’s how Australian businesses and websites can gear up:

1. Audit Your Current Performance: Start with understanding where you stand. Utilise tools that can gauge your current search ranking status. For a more in-depth local perspective, consider partnering with Australian digital agencies well-versed in local SEO nuances.
2. Reinforce Content Quality: The emphasis is clear – quality over quantity. It’s time to revisit your content strategy. Ensure that your articles, blogs, or any form of content adhere to the E-A-T principles. Especially for sectors like finance or health, it might be beneficial to have content reviewed or authored by Australian professionals recognised in their respective fields. This not only boosts credibility but also aligns with the update’s emphasis on expertise and trustworthiness.
3. Technical SEO Is Not to Be Overlooked: Prioritise regular website health checks. Given the update’s focus on technical elements, ensure your website’s loading speed is optimal, especially for mobile users. Australia, with its ever-growing digital adoption, has a sizable chunk of users accessing content via mobile. Ensure there are no broken links, your SSL certificate is updated, and the website is accessible across different devices.
4. User-Centric Approach: At the heart of all these updates is the end user. Dive deep into user analytics. Understand their behaviour, preferences, and pain points. Make use of Australian user surveys or feedback tools to get a comprehensive view. A seamless user experience is no longer just about aesthetics or usability; it’s about how effectively a website can meet its user’s intent and provide value.

Post-Update Actions

Navigating the aftermath of a significant Google update can often be as pivotal as preparing for it. So, how should Australian businesses and webmasters approach the post-October 2023 Broad Core Update landscape?

Monitor Ranking Changes

The immediate aftermath of any Google update is a crucial time to keep a close watch on your search .rankings. Several tools are available to facilitate this, but selecting ones that provide in-depth regional analysis, especially for Australian businesses, can be beneficial.

1. Localised Monitoring: Given the diverse and unique search behaviours of Australians, it’s essential to analyse how your website ranks for local queries. Whether you’re a Perth-based tech start-up or a Brisbane real estate agency, understanding how local audiences interact with your site post-update is pivotal.
2. Keyword Analysis: Focus on both broad and long-tail keywords. While broad keywords provide a general overview, long-tail keyword performance can offer insights into specific user intentions and how well your content aligns with them.

Analyse Traffic Data

Beyond rankings, it’s the actual traffic that provides insights into user behaviour. Delving deep into platforms like Google Analytics will reveal patterns and deviations post-update.

1. User Behaviour Metrics: Metrics like average session duration, bounce rate, and pages per session can be telling. A sharp increase in bounce rate post update, for instance, could indicate issues with user experience or content relevance.
2. Geographical Insights: Australia’s vast landscape means diverse user behaviours. Someone in Sydney might interact differently with content compared to someone in Adelaide. Such geographical analytics can provide a more nuanced understanding of content performance and user preferences.

Iterate and Optimise

Observations and insights are only as good as the actions they lead to. Post-analysis, it’s time to iterate and optimise your digital strategies.

1. Content Revisions: Based on E-A-T metrics, consider updating existing content to further enhance its expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. If you’re discussing financial topics, for instance, referring to guidelines from Australian regulatory bodies like the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) can lend more credibility to your content.
2. Technical Tweaks: If the data points towards technical issues, like slow page loading times or mobile unresponsiveness, address them promptly. Recall that with Australia’s high mobile internet usage, ensuring your site performs seamlessly on mobile devices is non-negotiable.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Especially for local businesses, engaging with your audience can offer direct feedback. Whether it’s through surveys, social media interactions, or feedback forms, understanding the Australian user’s voice can provide actionable insights.

The October 2023 Google Broad Core Update, like its predecessors, serves as a testament to the ever-evolving digital landscape. For Australian businesses, it’s not merely about adapting but about leveraging these changes as springboards for growth. As you navigate these digital waters, remember that at the core of all these algorithms and updates is the end-user. Prioritise them, and your strategies will inherently align with Google’s vision.

And if you’re looking for a trusted partner to guide you through the intricacies of SEO, especially in the dynamic Australian digital landscape, consider reaching out to Generate Your Audience. With expertise tailored to local nuances, they can help your business not just adapt, but thrive in this post-update world.