A fresh breeze is blowing through the Google algorithm. As of today, Google is implementing a new 'helpful content' update, which will be fully rolled out over the next two weeks. This is the first major change to the system since the update in December 2022.
Update details
This update, officially announced as the "September 2023 helpful content update," introduces an improved classifier. Once the implementation is complete, this will be reflected on Google's ranking release history page. This renewal does not come as a surprise; we have known since May that Google planned to launch such an update this year. At that time, Google indicated that the new update would delve deeper into content from a personal or expert perspective.
What has changed?
Google has provided clarity on the treatment of third-party content and now offers more guidance on what to do after a content system update. You may not need to take any action, or it may be necessary to evaluate your content yourself. The platform also emphasizes the need to create authentic and useful content, with the phrase "written by people" replaced by "useful content created for people," likely to approve AI-generated content, provided it is useful.
Google's algorithm update has a clear goal: the promotion of quality and helpful content that is written for people. This stands in stark contrast to content that is designed purely for search engine optimization. Google aims to reduce frustration for searchers who land on unhelpful pages that rank well simply because they are written solely for search engines.
Importance for companies