Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, recently addressed the community on X about the March 2024 core update and overall search quality issues. He acknowledged that while there are areas where Google can and intends to improve, these changes will not occur immediately.

Sullivan explained that he has devoted significant time to scrutinizing feedback from the community, exploring various websites, and engaging in discussions with Google’s internal teams. This extensive review has highlighted both strengths and weaknesses in Google’s search algorithms. Sullivan noted that while Google’s systems might not always adequately recognize high-quality content from smaller or independent sites, they do have a tendency to flag low-quality content. Conversely, excellent content that performs well may not receive the social media traction it deserves.

To address these issues, Sullivan outlined two key areas where improvements are necessary:

1. Enhanced Recognition of Quality Content: Sullivan acknowledged that some high-quality content currently goes underappreciated by Google’s systems. There is a need for better recognition and reward for content that stands out due to its value and relevance, particularly when it originates from smaller or independent sources. This improvement aims to ensure that deserving content receives the visibility it merits.
2. Improved Guidance and Reporting: Another crucial area for development is providing more effective guidance to content creators on best practices. Sullivan suggested that this could be achieved through better reporting mechanisms and clearer instructions on how to avoid less effective or outdated practices. These enhancements would help creators understand what Google’s algorithms favor and how to align their content strategies accordingly.

Despite these intentions, Sullivan made it clear that changes will not be implemented instantly. His role involves collaborating with various teams within Google to offer suggestions and advocate for improvements. However, he does not have the final authority to enforce these updates single-handedly. He emphasized that algorithm adjustments often involve complex trade-offs and require careful balancing to ensure that changes benefit the search ecosystem as a whole.

Sullivan concluded his update by reaffirming his commitment to channeling external feedback to the relevant teams at Google. He also mentioned the potential introduction of an automated action viewer, which could provide more transparency into how actions are taken based on feedback and data. While Sullivan is dedicated to pushing for necessary improvements, he acknowledged that not all concerns can be resolved quickly or easily. The complexity of search algorithms and the vast array of content on the web mean that some issues will require ongoing attention and iterative adjustments.

Overall, Sullivan’s update underscores Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its search algorithms and address feedback from the community. While progress may be gradual, his openness to feedback and commitment to continuous improvement reflect Google’s dedication to enhancing search quality and user experience.