Google March 2023 Broad Core Update

Google’s core algorithm updates are around the corner – are you ready to protect your law firm’s search rankings?

Google just released its first core algorithm update of 2023, and as always, Law firm SEO experts and website owners are bracing themselves for the impact. And, like it or not, this update could affect your law firm, too. 

But what if we told you there’s a way to keep your law firm’s SEO strong during Google’s core algorithm updates? 

This blog covers the most important answers you need to know to begin preparing. 

So, what is a ‘core algorithm update?’ 

While Google makes hundreds of small algorithm adjustments per year, a core algorithm update is a bit different. A broad core algorithm update is a significant change made to Google’s search ranking algorithm that affects a large portion of search queries and can result in a noticeable change in search results. 

Broad core algorithm updates can affect a wide range of websites and industries – including law. 

But that seems like such a nuisance! Why does Google need to update its algorithms?  

Like any business, Google aims to make its users happy. This means providing them with the most relevant and useful responses to their queries, and Google is constantly perfecting its algorithms to do just that. By continually updating their SEO algorithms, Google ensures that the most helpful and valuable content is featured prominently in search results, while low-quality or spammy content is pushed down.

What can we expect from this update? 

The short answer is, we don’t know – yet. Google typically keeps the specific details of their algorithm updates confidential, so it can be difficult to predict exactly how a given update will impact search rankings.

The effects of a core algorithm update may take several weeks to fully roll out, and many changes may be so subtle that you won’t even notice them. With time, SEO experts can pool their collective insights together to begin optimizing web pages in a way that aligns with the updated algorithm and helps websites rank better in search results.

How can my firm prepare for core updates? 

While the precise substance of core updates can be unpredictable, there are still effective steps you can take to prepare your firm for these upcoming changes. Here are some of our recommendations: 

Watch your metrics

Monitoring your website’s performance and user engagement metrics can help you better understand how your content and technical infrastructure are perceived by search engines and users. This can assist you in identifying potential areas for improvement and preparing for core updates.

We strongly recommend establishing baseline metrics for your website’s performance. This will enable you to compare pre-and post-update data, making it easier to identify the impact of the core update on your website. If you notice a drop in your metrics, investigate the possible causes and take appropriate action to address them.

Create people-first content

Google consistently emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality, user-centric content as a means of improving your website’s search engine ranking and overall performance. By focusing on creating content that caters to the interests of your target audience, you can improve your chances of maintaining your search rankings during core updates.

Google provides a comprehensive guide on creating people-centric content that focuses on user experience. By sticking to these guidelines, you can ensure that your content aligns with Google’s expectations, even in the face of a core update. 

Remember the SEO basics

While it’s essential to adapt to changes brought about by core updates, it’s equally important to maintain a strong foundation in SEO fundamentals. By ensuring that your website adheres to basic SEO principles, you can enhance its resilience during core updates and continue to maintain a solid online presence.

Takeaways

Adapting to core algorithm updates is an ongoing challenge for law firms and businesses alike. However, by embracing these changes and staying informed, you can continue to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our Law firm SEO company is here to help you stay up to date on the latest insights and trends, ensuring that your law firm remains well-positioned in the face of algorithm updates and other digital developments. Get in touch with us today.