September 2023 Google Helpful Content Update: Key Insights

Current status of the ranking update

Status: Rollout in progress

Announced by Google: September 14, 2023

Update started: September 14, 2023

Update completed: Rollout in progress!

What Types of Websites Are Affected?

The September 2023 Helpful Content Update primarily impacted websites that prioritize search engine rankings over user experience. This includes sites that:

• Create content primarily for search engines, rather than to inform or assist users.
• Rely heavily on AI-generated content without providing substantial value.
• Host third-party content that is unrelated to the main site's purpose or lacks proper oversight.

What to Expect From This Update?

Websites affected by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update may experience:

• Significant drops in search engine rankings.
• Decreased organic traffic.
• Lower visibility in search results.

It's important to note that while this update focused on low-quality content, high-quality websites may also experience temporary fluctuations during the rollout period.

What to Address / How to Approach?

To address the potential impact of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update, focus on the following:

• Create high-quality, user-centric content: Prioritize content that genuinely helps users and addresses their needs.
• Evaluate AI-generated content: Ensure AI-generated content is used responsibly and adds value to users.
• Review third-party content: Assess if third-party content aligns with your website's purpose and is properly managed.
• Improve user experience: Optimize website speed, mobile-friendliness, and overall user experience.
• Monitor search performance: Keep track of website rankings and traffic to identify potential issues.

Interesting Fact 💡

The September 2023 Helpful Content Update introduced a refined classifier that more effectively identifies and penalizes content primarily created for search engine rankings rather than user benefit