Google’s 2024 Core Update: What Small Business Owners Need to Know (2025)

Originally posted on March 10, 2024. Updated April 2025.

Are you worried about Google’s latest update? Many website owners are in panic mode since Google started its March 2024 core update. But if you run a small business website, you probably don’t need to worry.

Your Small Business Website Is Likely Safe

Most people freaking out right now are “SEO gurus” who push Google’s rules to the limit. They look for tricks to get their websites to the top of search results.
Many of the websites hit by this update are test sites these SEO experts use to try risky tricks – not real business websites.

If you’re running an honest business website with real content for your customers, you’re probably fine.

What Google Is Really Targeting

Mass-Produced AI Content

Google is cracking down on websites that use AI to create huge amounts of content. Some sites use AI to make 500-1,000 posts EVERY DAY without any human editing them.

These sites are trying to trick Google by flooding it with computer-written articles just to rank high in searches.

Google isn’t against all AI help. Using AI as a writing assistant is fine. What Google doesn’t like is content made only by computers with no human input or expertise.

Manual Penalties Are Being Applied

Unlike previous updates that relied solely on algorithms, this core update has gotten personal. Many SEO experimenters report their websites being completely removed from Google’s search database—not by an algorithm, but by human Google employees.

Google appears to be watching popular YouTube channels where these SEO tactics are shared. Remember that YouTube is owned by Google, giving them insight into who’s promoting questionable tactics.

“Can Google manually remove my website from search results?” Yes, and they’re doing exactly that for sites violating their guidelines.

Real People Are Reviewing Websites

Something new with this update: Google staff are manually removing some websites from search results.
Many SEO experts report their test websites being completely removed from Google – not by a computer program, but by actual Google employees.

Google seems to be watching popular YouTube channels where people share these SEO tricks. (Remember that Google owns YouTube.)

Need some help? It’s one thing to wrap your head around Google’s core update and this new digital landscape and another thing entirely to roll up your sleeves and do this stuff all on your own. Since we are in the thick of this SEO stuff, we have a system. One that works. Without a doubt, we can help you get things done on a much quicker timeline. Give us a call at (916) 243-6660 – it’s still free to talk to us – or send us a message.

How Small Businesses Should Respond to the Core Update

Why Google Cares About AI-Generated Content

Google wants to show people the best answers to their questions. They worry that soon there will be so much AI-written content that finding helpful human-created content will become hard.

When someone asks their phone, “Who’s the best plumber near me?” Google wants to connect them with real local plumbers – not websites filled with AI content but no actual services.

What Your Small Business Should Do

Focus on Real Value, Not Tricks

Stop looking for shortcuts and focus on creating helpful content for your customers. Google’s updates aren’t random rules – they’re trying to reward businesses that provide real help to people.

To stay safe from Google updates:

• Create helpful content about your services
• Build connections with other trusted websites
• Collect real customer reviews
• Keep your website fast and mobile-friendly

Be Careful of Amazing SEO Promises

If someone promises to get you to #1 on Google in two weeks, hang up the phone. These promises usually rely on tricks that will eventually get you in trouble.

For most small businesses, it takes 4-12 months of steady work to see good results from honest SEO practices.

How This Update Affects Different Websites

Here’s what’s happening with this update:

• Websites with hundreds of AI-written articles are losing rankings
• Sites using fake methods to appear important are being caught
• Content written by people who aren’t experts is dropping in search results
• Local businesses with real, helpful content are often seeing better rankings

For honest local businesses creating good content, this update is probably good news. It removes low-quality competitors from search results.

Our advice? Stop looking for loopholes in Core Update and get to work on your business!

I’ve been saying pretty much the same thing in articles on Google’s E-E-A-T, Topical Authority, Core Web Vitals, Domain Authority, Google Map Pack, etc. The best approach to getting your business to rank as high as it can is simply to do the real work.

Simple Strategy for Small Business Websites

The best approach for small businesses is straightforward:

1. Create helpful content that answers your customers’ real questions
2. Keep your Google Business Profile updated with fresh photos and correct information
3. Ask happy customers for reviews and respond to all reviews you get
4. Make sure your website loads quickly and works well on phones
5. Build relationships with other businesses in your community

Try to add new content at least once a month, and check your existing pages every few months to make sure everything is still correct.

Voice Search and This Update

More people now use voice search on phones and smart speakers. This affects how businesses show up when someone asks a question out loud.

When someone asks, “Who can fix my leaky faucet?” or “What’s the best pizza place nearby?” Google wants to give trustworthy answers.

To show up in voice search results:

• Write in a conversational way that answers questions directly
• Make sure your business information is correct everywhere online
• Create clear answers to questions people might ask about your services

Good News for Real Businesses

While this update has created panic among SEO trick-users, it’s actually good for honest small business owners. By removing low-quality content from search results, Google is making it easier for real businesses to connect with customers.

Instead of worrying about the update, focus on what matters: creating helpful content, providing great service, and building a good reputation online. Do these things consistently, and you’ll never have to worry about Google updates.

Remember, Google’s goal matches yours – connecting your business with people who need what you offer. By focusing on helping real customers rather than gaming the system, you’ll build a website that survives every update.

Please note: We will be constantly updating this article as we find new information, change our mind, or if we hear feedback that we haven’t thought of – by people like YOU. We’ll also update this article if we think of ways to improve it. Without a doubt, keep checking back. Share this article with those who you think could use the help and please write your comments and questions below. It could help us…and others.