Google launched the MedicUpdate in August 2018. It was the biggest algorithm change of recent years. Google did not name it, but the main focus of this update was your money or your life sites that affect users’ finances or health. Many health-related sites saw drastic ranking changes.
The guide explains the Google Medic Upgrade. It also outlines its consequences for YMYL and offers strategies that can be implemented to help sites recover and flourish in 2024.
What Is Google Medic Update?
The Google MedicUpdate affected a wide range of websites, primarily those in the healthcare, wellness, and medical sectors. SEO experts dubbed this Google update “Medic,” despite the fact that Google did not name it. Its disproportionate effect on sites related to health, wellness, and medicine led them to do so.
Key Features of Medic Update
- Prioritize websites that have high levels of expertise (E.E.A.T.), authority, and trustworthiness.
- Reduced-quality websites: destroyed sites that have thin, unreliable, or misleading content.
- Increased Authority Sources
Why was it named “Medic”?
The “Medic’ name was chosen because it seemed that the majority of websites in this category were affected. Updates also affected sites in other YMYL categories, including those about finance, legal, and safety.
What the Medic update has done to SEO
Pre-Medic vs. Post-Medic Search Engine Optimization
| Pre-Medic | Post-Medic | |
|---|---|---|
| Content Quality | Keyword-rich articles that are too thin | Researched and well-informed content |
| Experienced Authors | Minimal author credentials | Credentials for author bios are available. |
| Backlink profile | Quantity Over Quality | High-quality, authoritative links |
| User Trust | Reduce the emphasis on Trust Signals | The E-E.-A.T. |
Industries Most Impacted
- Healthcare: The blogs that offer medical advice to the public without the necessary credentials have been hit hard.
- Wellness and Fitness Sites making unsubstantiated health claims experienced significant drop-off.
- Financial Loss of rankings for personal finance blogs without expert supervision
- Legal websites providing legal advice that lack proper credentials are punished.
Post-Medic: Ranking factors that are important
1. E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Expertise: The content creator should have experience with the subject (for example, a medical doctor who writes about conditions).
- Expertise: Demonstrate qualifications (e.g., certifications, degrees).
- Authoritativeness: Increase authority with high-quality backlinks, citations, and other citations.
- Reliability: Make sure that your website is secure (HTTPS), has transparent information sourced, and provides accurate data.
2. High Definition Content
- Depth & Originality: Create comprehensive guides and publish original research.
- Citations: Hyperlink to credible sources, such as peer-reviewed journals or government sites.
- User-Focused: Clear, actionable advice that addresses user intent.
3. Author Credentials
- Bios of Authors: Highlight experience and qualifications.
- Byline links Link to author profiles on LinkedIn, etc.
4. Technical SEO
- Mobile First Indexing: Make sure that the design is responsive and fast loading.
- Structured Data Use schema to emphasize author credentials, content type and more.
How to recover from a MedicUpdate Penalty
Step 1: Conduct an audit of the content
- Find low-quality pages: Use Screaming Frog and other tools to search for thin or out-of-date content.
- Flag Unverified Claim: Delete or update any articles that give unsupported financial or health advice.
Step 2: Upgrade E-E.A.T Signals
- Include Author Bios: Provide credentials, experiences, and links to professional profiles.
- Cite Reliable Sources : references studies, data from government agencies, expert opinions.
Step 3: Create Authoritative Links
- Earn links from trustworthy sites Collaborate With Universities, Hospitals, and Industry Leaders.
- Don’t use Spammy Directory. Concentrate on directories relevant to your niche.
Step 4: Optimize the User Experience
- Improve page speed: Use tools such as Pages Speed Insights for optimizing load times.
- Mobile Enhancement: Easy navigation and responsive design.
Optimizing for YMYL Niches in 2024
1. Create Comprehensive Content
- Guides in Long Form: Publish detailed articles such as “The Ultimate Guide to Managing Diabetes.”
- FAQ: Answer common questions in a concise and clear manner.
2. Leverage Expert Contributors
- Guest posts: Inviting industry experts to submit content.
- Q&A Sessions: Post-professional interviews.
3. Focus on Local SEO
- Localized Content: Create city-specific pages (e.g., “Best Cardiologists in [City]”).
- Google My Business optimizes GMB profiles to local searches
Case Studies on Recovering From Medic Update penalties
Case Study 1: Health Blog Regains Traffic
Problem: Due to unsubstantiated health claims, a wellness blog saw 60% less traffic following Medic. Solution:
- We hired certified nutritionists for rewriting articles.
- Add author bios that include credentials with links to their professional profiles.
- Health organizations have provided backlinks to your site.
Recover 80% of traffic within six months.
Case Study 2: Financial Site Rebounds
Problem A personal finance web site lost rankings for “credit card advice.”
Solution:
- Articles written by financial planners.
- Add disclaimers to the website and refer to government financial guidelines.
- .edu/.gov links are built.
Re-ranking, with 50% more organic traffic.
The Medic Update FAQ
1. What does the Google Medic Update mean?
The MedicUpdate, a 2018 algorithm update targeting YMYL-type sites in particular health and wellness. Google’s core updates are explained in detail.
2. How do I find out if Medic has affected my site?
Google Analytics will show you any traffic drop around August of 2018. Use ranking tracking tools for keyword rankings.
3. Is it possible to get a refund for a medical penalty?
Yes! You should focus on improving E.E.A.T. by publishing quality content and gaining authoritative links. Use our guide to recover.
4. Can Medic be used on non-YMYL websites?
Google guidelines state that while Medic primarily targets YMYL websites, every website should prioritize E-E.A.T.
5. What is the importance of backlinks after Medic?
Critical! Trust and authority are boosted by high-quality links from authoritative websites. Use Backlink Tools for auditing your profile.
You can also read our conclusion.
The Google MedicUpdate underscored trust, expertise and quality within YMYL. Focusing on E-E.A.T. Creating authoritative content and optimizing the user experience will help you recover from penalties and take over search rankings by 2024.
Visit our guides on mobile indexing or algorithmic updates to learn more.
If you wish to read more information on how to increase traffic to the website, just check on the Ranksmagzine or contact me here.
