Google Core Update March 2024 was a seismic event for blogs and website owners who relied on organic search traffic. This significant algorithm change targeted low-quality content and AI-generated spam, leading to the deindexing of hundreds of websites in its early stages. The consequences were that severely affected sites lost valuable organic traffic and ad revenue overnight.

The update matched the findings from one AI originality study, which found a high prevalence of AI-generated content among deindexed websites. 50% of affected pages had 90-100% of their posts generated by AI.

This crackdown demonstrates Google's commitment to improving the quality of search results and combating manipulative tactics such as AI content spam. But it also raises an important question: How can website owners significantly increase organic traffic in this new reality?

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Strategies for increasing organic traffic in 2024

In the wake of Core update March 2024, website owners must adapt their strategies to regain lost ground and significantly increase organic traffic. Here are some key areas of focus:

1. Conduct a comprehensive content audit

The first step is to thoroughly analyze your content. Use tools like Ahrefs OR SEMrush to identify:

• Articles that perform well but don't rank in the top search results (prioritize these)
• Content that stopped performing after the update
• Poorly performing content that never ranked well

You can strategically allocate your optimization efforts by understanding which content assets are working and which need improvement.

2. Focus on your best performing content that is not yet ranked #1 in search

Double down on your strengths to grow organic traffic fast. Find high-volume, low-competition keywords with a difficulty score of less than 10 that rank between 2 and 8. These are more likely to get that coveted nod to the rich snippet position.

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3. Optimize for featured snippets

Results highlighted in “position zero” above the top organic listings are known as excerpts presented. There are four main categories of them:

• Excerpt from the paragraph
• List of fragments
• Table scraps
• Video part

4. To improve your website's ranking and attract more featured snippets, it's essential to adhere to current SEO best practices:

• Understanding the purpose of the question and matching the format of the passage.
• Defining your topic succinctly in two to three sentences for the parts of the paragraph.
• Use objective, fact-based language and avoid personal pronouns.
• Logical content structuring with proper heading tags.
• By writing simply and using language that your audience understands.

Above all, prioritize providing a superior user experience over basic keyword optimization.

Google's stance on AI-generated content

While Google has not explicitly prohibited it AI generated content, the message is clear: quality, originality and user value are paramount. AI should be used as a support tool, not replacing human expertise and creativity.

Matt G. Southern of Search Engine Journal aptly says, “Google is not waging a war against AI; the battle is against mediocrity.” Responsible use of AI as an aid to content creation is acceptable. However, it must be accompanied by human insight, editing and a commitment to providing real, valuable information to users. AI should be used as a support tool, not replacing human expertise and creativity.

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Intelligent use of AI

While the update penalized sites for over-reliance on AI content, Google's emphasis has always been on originality, reader depth and value. Ethical use of AI as a research aid and writing co-pilot is acceptable as long as human editing ensures unique and high-quality content.

The future is EEAT moving forward – Google's prioritization of experience, expertise, authority and credibility (EEAT) will be key. Establish your current authority by:

• Citing reputable sources.
• Clearly displaying the author's expertise.
• Providing accurate and reliable information.
• Providing an optimal user experience through intelligent design.

Websites focused only on keyword optimization and not on holistic quality signals will be left behind more and more.

of Core update March 2024 ushered in a new era of research where quality, originality and authority reign supreme. You can significantly increase organic traffic in this new landscape by auditing your content, capitalizing on your strengths and adhering to EEAT principles. The way forward requires an unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional user experience through truly valuable content.