Unraveling Google’s September 2023 Update: Decoding its Influence on Third-Party Hosted Content

The SEO community buzzed with anticipation and speculation following Google’s September 2023 update. The reason? A potentially far-reaching impact on third-party hosted content. This shift underlines one of the core focuses of Google’s helpful content update, demanding attention and insight into what this means for the online universe.

One of Google Search team’s prominent members, Gary Illyes, shared company insights and knowledge about the ‘new kid on the block’ update at the SEO world-famous PubCon. Although the eagerly awaited changes within Google’s helpful content update aim to refine documentation, Illyes stressed that they haven’t yet been realized within the operational algorithm itself.

The primary concern centers around Google’s new approach to third-party hosted content. The recent revision of Google’s help documents includes an entirely novel section addressing this very topic. The advice is clear and uncompromising: site owners need to block third-party content that doesn’t tie into the primary purpose of the main site, or those produced without requisite oversight.

However, the depiction of a virtual Armageddon for third-party content, as anticipated by SEO pundits, is yet to transpire. With the algorithmic changes yet to be introduced, rankings remain undeterred at this point. The big question on everyone’s lips remains: when will the algorithmic shoe drop?

A crucial point of understanding lies in distinguishing between Google’s documentation and its live algorithm. Google’s documentation serves more as an informative guide or handbook, comprehensively outlining the required best practices for websites. The actual algorithm, on the other hand, is the gatekeeper of rankings, actively separating the wheat from the chaff when it comes to website content.

While the cannon is still smoking from Google’s warning shot across the bow to third-party content, one cannot emphasize enough the importance of preparedness. Webmasters housing such content on their domains are advised to initiate an immediate clean-up operation, forearming themselves against the impending algorithmic transition.

Through this September 2023 update, Google sends a clear signal of its intention to take a stand against low-quality, disconnected third-party hosted content that does not add significant value for users. It’s beneficial for webmasters to follow suit and begin preparations, keeping your website afloat in the probable sea of change instigated by Google.

How are you reacting to this potential game-changer in SEO territory? What are your experiences or expectations concerning the Google’s helpful content update? Let’s start an insightful conversation about adapting to the evolving digital landscape in the comments section, or reach out directly for any questions.

In this ever-changing online world, staying ahead and being prepared is the key to maintaining digital relevance. And when it comes to Google’s evolution, there’s no such thing as ‘too ready’.

• SEO Strategy: Use the target keywords in strategic areas such as headers, sub-headers, meta descriptions, and throughout the main body of text. Make sure to use the keywords naturally to avoid keyword stuffing. Link to high authority sources for higher credibility. Use bullet points and short paragraphs for easier readability, and ensure the content is user-friendly to lower the bounce rate.

Call to Action: Ask readers to share their thoughts or experiences about the impending changes and invite them to leave a comment or get in touch with any questions.