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The "Medic Update" - An Overview and Why Your Online Content Quality is So Important

The Google algorithm is the equivalent to the “Great and Powerful Oz” of search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. It sets the parameters for the way that search engines recognize relevant content, and constantly changes based on new data and organic search results. So, when one of these algorithm updates comes out—we pay attention.

The most recent changes to the SEO algorithm have primarily targeted health, personal finance, and Your Money Your Life (YMYL) sites, earning them the nickname, “the Medic Update.” Experts are still wading through the changes, but Google isn’t confirming any specific area targeted by the update. In fact, as usual, Google isn’t sharing much information at all—leaving SEO experts to formulate and refine their own strategies to focus on one thing—quality.

In a statement released by Google SearchLiason on Twitter, they refer to the August 1st changes as a “broad core algorithm update,” and say it is “business as usual” (in so many words). So, what does this mean for your website content?

Quality Online Content is Key

Google continues to emphasize the importance of creating “quality” content and encouraging website operators to focus on value. What we have seen is a change in the way that previously undervalued sites have been recognized by the larger search engines. This shake up has forced many health and YMYL sites to evaluate their content, and scramble for new strategies to improve their visibility.
If you have recently experienced a drop in your SEO ranking, don’t panic. These are a few things you can do to slow or prevent the algorithm freefall:

  • Approach your copy with a more informative tone. This adds value to your content, even when the focus is on advertising.
  • Stay away from direct sales pitches outside of your standard call to action. Pushing “amazing” products and services halfway through an informative paragraph can be a huge turn off for visitors to your website. Quality content shows that you care about the people who are searching for valuable insight.
  • Focus on a solution. When you’re sitting in front of your computer, try to think like a random person doing an internet search. They may not be looking for your business name, so consider the alternative search inquiries. Create content with organic interest in mind.
  • Learn and write according to the Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness (E-A-T) model. Make sure that all of these elements are contained in your content and that they all carry over to your audience.

Google updates don’t have to leave you reaching for the panic button. If you’re struggling with your SEO rankings, contact the SEO copywriting experts at MintCopy. We keep our ear to the proverbial ground in the world of content marketing and can help you stay relevant during big and small changes in the digital marketing landscape.

Use our online form to get in touch today. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Twitter to stay updated on the latest content marketing and SEO trends.

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