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Google told us that they realized the Helpful Content Update had problems. Yet, Google’s core update hasn’t fixed that much. It’s clear we can’t rely on Google.
As a blogger, I’ve been through a few Google core updates. Some of the biggest happened back in 2010 when Panda came out. It changed the way people blogged, but I don’t think we expected something as big or as messy again.
Then came the Helpful Content Update in September 2023, followed by the March 2024 core update. Both of these decimated blogging as we know it. Google told us that they took on feedback and the September 2024 core update was supposed to help, but it didn’t. In fact, it’s hurt more bloggers and most others have just stayed the same.
One thing is clear: Google can’t be trusted. It can’t be relied upon, and I say that as a searcher as well as a blogger.
The Helpful Content Update isn’t helpful!
As a search engine user, I’ve found the search results poor since the update last September. Reddit and Quora posts are now much higher, but they don’t offer the answers that I need. They can offer some answers, but that doesn’t mean they can be trusted. I hate that Reddit and Quora posts are higher than they used to be.
When I want answers, I want them from a trusted source. I want them from someone who I can then research on other social media sites or other websites. I want to know that it’s definitely someone who knows what they’re talking about. I can’t do that with Reddit at all. I can do it a little with Quora but not on the same level as a website or blog*.
So Google, if you’re reading this, as a user, you’ve failed and I go elsewhere for my searches. Fix your problem!
MORE: 3 essential steps to ensure your business succeeds
What to do since Google’s core update did nothing
As a blogger, you may be tempted to throw in the towel. The truth is, blogging isn’t as lucrative as it was a couple of years ago, especially if you’re relying on Google traffic.
You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket, though. You don’t just want to rely on Google for traffic. You’ve always needed to rely on multiple sources.
I’ve said this before. When Facebook and Pinterest changed things in recent years, bloggers panicked. Well, that was when Google’s SEO* was good and we could make money by ranking well in searches. Now we’re back to figuring things out. Facebook and Pinterest still work, by the way.
Another option is email marketing. I highly recommend this as a way to build an audience. You land in inboxes of those who actually want to read your stuff, creating repeat readers.
You’ll also want to look at diversifying your income. Affiliate marketing was once a lucrative way to make money, but that’s not the case anymore. Things become oversaturated, and people change the way they search for and buy products. Look at creating subscription-based products, or look into selling your own digital products.
You will also want to look at other ways to make money, both online and offline. I’ve diversified my income via helping people with their investments and through dog walking. Both of these have replaced some of the income I lost in Google’s (not so) Helpful Content Update. It’s helped while Google figures its s**t out.
I wanted to believe that Google’s core update would help fix problems the company created, but I did, admittedly, have little hope. Google doesn’t care about bloggers. Sadly, it also seems to not care about actually offering good information for users, either.
MORE: Google reminds us not to use one marketing basket
What are you doing now that blogging isn’t as lucrative? What do you think of Google’s core update this month? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
