Fallen down after the Google Core update? Here are 7 tips for a higher ranking

Is your website also experiencing a drop in Google search results? If so, it is most likely due to the Google Core-update, September's "helpful content" core update. A Google Core-update is a broad change in Google's search algorithm that is implemented regularly to improve content quality.

A Google Core-update focuses on the overall performance of the algorithm and how it determines the order of search results. This affects many positions in Google and you may well be surprised by this as well. Fortunately, you don't have to panic because we have 7 smart strategies to help you deal with this.

1. Gather high-quality backlinks

The first smart strategy is to get high-quality backlinks. These are links from other websites that point to your website. This will also be highly valued by Google in the future. Backlinks are like popularity votes for your website or page. The more you have, the higher your domain authority and the more your website will be appreciated. So how exactly do you ensure high-quality backlinks? You can do this by regularly writing a guest blog and collaborating with other websites.

In doing so, be sure to go for quality over quantity. Focus on digital PR to get valuable links. These links should preferably be relevant to your niche. If you get a link from a website that has nothing to do with your website, the link will be lower quality and will yield little to nothing.

2. Ensure a good brand experience

You probably know by now that content is important to become visible to visitors or potential customers. But a successful online presence goes beyond just content. Google also looks at user-experience and how your brand or business is perceived. Through a professional appearance, well-maintained social media accounts and positive reviews, you exude reliability and quality to position your website as a serious player. In short: build a brand, not just a niche site. Develop a strong brand identity and don't just focus on serving a specific niche or market.

Publish relevant content

Make sure the content you post on your website is actually relevant. Google appreciates content that really helps. Make sure your articles are not only informative, but actually solve problems. In this digital age, where users are constantly looking for answers and solutions, it is crucial to become a source of reliable and valuable information. This article, for example, offers strategies to overcome the negative effects of Core-updates.

Our advice? Make sure the information you share is new and original within your field. This makes you an authority and sets you apart from the competition. Reliability is also crucial. Make sure your information is accurate and supported by sources. This increases your readers' trust and credibility with search engines like Google, which also helps with the E-E-A-T principle.

Build topical authority

We talked earlier about domain authority in terms of the number of backlinks: the more quality backlinks, the higher your domain authority. But you can also build authority and boost your position in Google by specializing in an in-depth content library. What do we mean by this? It means that you don't just superficially, but rather deep into related topics within your field.

Furthermore, you can also create internal links between related topics that fit within the context. These internal links serve as a digital map that guides users through your content. It also helps Google understand the interrelationships between different topics. In doing so, you show that your website has extensive knowledge about a particular topic.

5. Keep your content fresh

Everyone loves it when content is fresh, or current. After all, people prefer information to be new and relevant. For example, by regularly adding new blog posts and articles, you not only keep your visitors interested but also keep your website current in the eyes of search engines like Google. Also, update your existing articles and optimize titles and images. For example, you can aim for a monthly update, keeping your content fresh and relevant. This also ensures that your content is indexed faster by Google.

6. Grab attention and hold it

How do you make sure your content actually gets read? It's important to grab attention. But not only that: you also want to hold it. That's why it's important to pay attention to every detail of your text, from the meta titles to the call-to-actions. The meta title is the first thing visitors see in search results, so make it catchy and relevant to spark curiosity. Furthermore, an engaging introduction is the door to your content. Make sure it encourages the reader to read on.

Keep your texts further readable and easy to scan. Use clear headings, short paragraphs and possibly bullet points to make the content manageable for the reader. Also, make it clear what you expect from the reader. An effective CTA can increase engagement and contribute to the overall performance of your website.

7. Write from the first person

Did you know that writing from the first person also contributes to higher rankings? This also corresponds to "experience" in the E-E-A-T principle, making your content personal and trustworthy. By writing from the first person and sharing your own experiences, insights and perspectives, you create an authentic and trustworthy voice. Readers often feel more engaged with content that shows a human face and is based on real experiences.

By applying these seven strategies consistently, you can not only recover from the effects of the latest Google Core update, but also build a solid foundation to face algorithm changes with confidence in the future. Need help boosting your ranking in Google? Then request our free quick scan.