89: Major Updates from Google are Coming Soon

Summary

In this episode, Meredith's husband discusses upcoming major changes from Google and emphasizes the importance of creating content for users rather than trying to manipulate search algorithms. He advises website owners to focus on helpful, user-first content, which will naturally align with Google’s evolving goals. By thinking like Google and prioritizing users, website owners can avoid penalties from algorithm updates and maintain long-term success.

Google’s Algorithm Updates: How to Future-Proof Your SEO Strategy

In the ever-changing world of SEO, staying ahead of Google’s algorithm updates is crucial for website owners. As we learned in this episode, major updates are on the horizon, and while that may cause concern, there’s good news: if you’re already creating user-first content, you have nothing to worry about.

The Key: User-First Content

Google’s core goal has always been to deliver the most helpful content to users. Over the years, they’ve released updates like Panda, Penguin, and more recently, the Helpful Content Update. All of these changes have one consistent message: websites that prioritize users will succeed.

Meredith’s husband reminds us that if your focus is on tricking Google’s algorithm with SEO shortcuts, you should be concerned. Google’s algorithms are becoming more sophisticated, and they are designed to identify websites that are chasing search rankings instead of creating valuable content. However, if your content serves real users and provides helpful information, you are already on the right track.

What Does “User-First” Really Mean?

Creating user-first content means thinking beyond Google’s algorithms. Here’s what you should focus on:

• Answering user questions: Think about what your target audience is searching for and answer their questions directly.

• Providing valuable information: Ensure that your content solves problems or offers insights that users can benefit from.

• Improving the user experience: Keep your website easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading to ensure users have a positive experience.

As Meredith’s husband points out, Google’s algorithm is designed to follow user behavior. Their goal is to reward sites that provide the best experience for users. When you create helpful content, you’re not chasing the algorithm—you’re aligning with what Google wants.

Don’t Fall for SEO “Shortcuts”

It’s tempting to follow quick-fix SEO advice, like using one “weird trick” to rank higher. These strategies may yield short-term results, but they won’t hold up against long-term changes in Google’s algorithms. If your website relies on such tricks, you’ll likely face penalties when major updates are rolled out.

Instead, focus on these long-term strategies:

• High-quality content: Create well-researched, informative, and original content that satisfies user intent.

• Keyword placement: Use keywords naturally throughout your content. Don’t overstuff your pages with keywords just to rank—Google will penalize this.

• Consistency: Regularly update your website with fresh, relevant content to keep both users and Google engaged.

Bullet Points from the Episode

• Major Google updates are coming, but websites with user-first content don’t need to worry.

• Avoid SEO tricks and shortcuts; they can harm your website when updates roll out.

• Always ask yourself, "Am I doing this for Google, or am I doing this for my users?"

• Google’s algorithms are chasing what people like—focus on creating content that people find valuable.

• The "golden rule" of SEO is that content for users is king.

Long-Term Thinking for SEO Success

The best way to future-proof your SEO strategy is to take a long-term view. Meredith’s husband shared a personal story about a client who experienced a decline in rankings after an update. That experience helped him realize that short-term SEO thinking leads to long-term failure.

By focusing on creating quality content for users, you’re investing in a strategy that will withstand the inevitable changes in Google’s algorithms.

Resources

For a structured approach to SEO, check out the "SEO Roadmap" mentioned by Meredith's husband. It offers a clear step-by-step plan to help you improve your website’s ranking in a sustainable way.