Blogging Amid the Ever-Changing Online Landscape

This article is dedicated to fellow bloggers and Vintage Virtues fans. Its purpose is to address the significant changes that are posing a threat to niche bloggers and our audiences. Navigating the online world and social media platforms has become increasingly challenging due to various developments, including a major Google core update, the demonetization of YouTube content creators, Meta’s “Jail,” Instagram account suspensions, speech suppression, and even Congress’ attempts to ban TikTok. The shifting online landscape has made blogging amid the Google algorithm updates, a tumultuous journey. In addition to discussing these challenges, I aim to provide strategies for finding balance and maintaining peace amidst these rapid changes, along with suggestions for search engine optimization.

Launching a blog and social media presence requires dedication and effort, as I discovered with the Vintage Virtues website. However, despite my commitment, I’ve faced challenges such as low website traffic and limited growth on social media. The time investment has become significant, raising concerns about the impact of my efforts and the possibility of suppression. Vintage Virtues content focuses on creating and sharing relevant content about mutual hobbies such as homesteading, homeschooling, and homemaking, intertwined with spreading the Word. My goal is to uplift my fellow Christian women, drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31, Titus 2, and Philippians 4:8 as I share the Word and provide encouragement. This article delves into the obstacles encountered, particularly concerning Google’s recent core update, and explores strategies for finding balance and aligning with personal values in the digital world.

Addressing Algorithmic Changes and Ranking Drops

The greatest obstacle bloggers are currently up against is a multi-fold targeted suppression of information and First Amendment rights. As of this March, Google, which also owns YouTube, is undergoing a massive core update to reduce 40% of content that Google deems unhelpful. The Google helpful content update is now part of the core update; all of this leading to a 40% reduction in unhelpful content within search. The integration of “helpful content systems” into Google’s core ranking system necessitates adherence to stringent quality standards, favoring established authorities over niche bloggers. Consequently, many creators face ranking drops and diminished organic reach due to Google’s algorithms shift. Strategies for navigating this ever-evolving digital landscape include assessing content quality, avoiding sensationalism, and fostering expertise and reliability. However, these measures risk marginalizing smaller creators in favor of larger entities.

The sourced article discusses Google’s latest measures to enhance the quality of its search results, including the release of the March 2024 core update and several spam updates. The March 2024 core update aims to reduce unhelpful content in search results by 40% and involves updates to multiple core systems. Additionally, Google announced new spam policies targeting various forms of spam, such as scaled content abuse, expired domain abuse, and site reputation abuse (also known as Parasite SEO). These policies will be enforced through automated algorithms and manual actions. Notably, the helpful content system has been integrated into Google’s core ranking system, eliminating the need for separate updates. The article also guides website owners impacted by ranking changes and outlines Google’s efforts to improve search quality amid recent criticisms. The source of this information is from Search Engine Land.

Bloggers are already seeing a significant shift with drastic dips in website traffic and search rankings on Google amid the implementation of these updates. Google knows this and suggests that bloggers assess the quality of their content by asking specific questions to determine if it meets the standards for helpful reliable information and offers people-first content and requests that bloggers understand that there aren’t specific actions to recover from ranking drops immediately. Improvement may occur gradually, particularly between core updates, with significant changes typically following subsequent core updates. It has also been advised to remove all affiliate links, which will greatly impact the ability of the common person to support the operating costs of their blog, out of pocket while the corporations and tax-funded entities continue to operate and produce content.

Google advises that content should be written in a manner that demonstrates thorough research and analysis, avoiding sensationalism, and should be high-quality content, suitable for reference in printed publications such as magazines, encyclopedias, or books. Additionally, the content should exhibit expertise on the subject matter, featuring contributions from widely recognized authorities, clear sourcing, and evidence of expertise. Furthermore, it should provide substantial value when compared to other pages in search results, serving the genuine interests of visitors rather than solely aiming to rank well in search engines. Mass production or unoriginal content sharing is discouraged. These criteria contribute to ensuring that content meets high standards of quality and a more relevant user experience, supposedly. The complete article can be found on Search Engine Land.

As someone who has worked in professional settings and has earned a master’s in business administration, I recognize that what Google is looking for is authority, subject matter expertise, peer-reviewed research, and analysis at the master’s level. This will wipe out the average blogger of niche topics such as the homesteader, homemaker, and homeschooler in favor of the big guys – Government, Corporations, and Scientific / Medical establishments.

Nurturing Well-being in the Digital World

In light of these challenges, finding peace and purpose in the digital world becomes paramount. The relentless demands of maintaining an online presence often lead to restlessness and anxiety. Introspection and setting boundaries around digital usage are essential for preserving well-being and authenticity. Allocating time for rest and offline activities allows for recharging and reconnecting with personal values. Seeking support from like-minded communities provides encouragement and accountability in maintaining digital balance. Here are a couple of online communities I recommend:  For my Fellow Mama Bloggers, Christian Women Bloggers Unite offers a wonderful, supportive, and cooperative environment. Likewise, Christian Blogging 101 – Kingdom Bloggers offers practical hands-on advice. Further, Biblical Roots Homesteading & Homemaking Guide: A Vintage Virtues Community is open to those interested in homesteading, homemaking, and homeschooling.

Search Engine Optimization

Additionally, utilizing smart tools like RankIQ, an SEO performance tool, has become increasingly important for optimizing website performance. Tailored to your niche target audience with SEO in mind, RankIQ can enhance your website’s marketing efforts, search algorithms, and visibility while driving more organic traffic to your site.

RankIQ offers data-driven insights. Learn more about this powerful tool, RankIQ here. RankIQ is the leading performer in implementing the top 3 SEO strategies:

• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords related to your content and incorporate them naturally into your titles, headings, and content to improve visibility in search results.
• Quality Content: Create high-quality, valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. Google prioritizes content that provides genuine value to users.
• On-Page Optimization: Optimize your website’s on-page elements such as meta tags, headings, and URLs to make it easier for search engines to understand your content and rank it appropriately.
• Google Search Console: Utilize tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to evaluate your website’s performance directly with Google, especially during update processes.

Impact of the Internet on the Mind

The pervasive influence of the internet and social media has deeply impacted both creators and consumers. The addictive design of these platforms has fostered a culture of constant content creation and consumption, imposing pressure on creators to adhere to rigorous posting schedules and rely on external tools for content creation. Additionally, the arbitrary censorship and manipulative algorithms further complicate navigating these digital spaces. Furthermore, the ever-evolving landscape has become proliferated with artificial intelligence; the use of AI has surged tremendously.

AI tools can range from innocuous, such as simple editing and grammar software like autocorrect and Grammarly, to more insidious, encompassing full-blown websites, articles, and artwork completely engineered by AI. This surge in AI usage brings up major ethical considerations.

Navigating the Complex Digital Landscape

Upon logging onto my blog, I am immediately confronted with a notification about decreased visitors and views, while likes and comments have increased. This prompts immediate consideration of ways to boost website traffic, as the primary goal of writing is to reach people. The Meta platform assigns comprehensive weekly tasks to creators, such as publishing numerous posts and stories on Instagram and Facebook, maintaining a good response rate, and posting social media ads, among others. TikTok recommends sharing a specific number of videos per week, while YouTube requires content to be tailored specifically for the video format with high-quality components and captivating headlines.

Integration Challenges and Content Creation

Regarding integration, the blog requires the embedding of YouTube videos but doesn’t integrate with TikTok. However, TikTok provides editing software that facilitates superior video creation compared to YouTube, necessitating creators to use external platforms for video production and then upload the content to YouTube for display on blogs. Most platforms do not promote a creator’s content organically; instead, they heavily advocate for paid boosting and plug-ins. Additionally, if the content is deemed offensive or does not align with specific narratives, it faces the risk of being suspended or shut down. I have faced Instagram suspensions and warnings regarding certain content. Furthermore, the editing software automatically modifies words, conforming to a particular politically correct narrative.

Shifting Priorities and Building a Solid Blog

While implementing social media marketing strategies is important, the strategies are also fickle, relying on the latest content standards, which differ by platform. Therefore, I’ve shifted my focus to building a solid blog first, with social media efforts as a secondary priority. I’m currently reconsidering which platforms Vintage Virtues will continue to be a part of, especially in light of Instagram suspensions, Facebook jail, Meta shutdowns, and the looming TikTok ban. For that reason, I highly encourage the Vintage Virtues audience to subscribe to our website newsletter. I also advise other bloggers to encourage their audience to do the same.

The Impact of Prolonged Internet and Social Media Usage

Studies by Harvard University and Stanford University have emphasized the adverse effects of prolonged internet and social media usage on attention spans, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. Given the addictive nature of the internet and social media, establishing healthy boundaries and schedules for online activities is crucial for both consumers and creators.

Learning to Rest, Not Quit

In the past, when something became too tough, I wanted to quit. Some of the best advice I’ve heard though is this: Learn how to rest, not quit. We are made to work, but we’re also called to rest. Part of the issue is that we’re always on the go in this modern society, whether it’s working a 9-5 and a side hustle, personal commitments, pursuits, and hobbies. The LORD commanded us a Sabbath rest. He modeled it from the very beginning. On 6 days we’re to do our usual work and on the 7th day, rest. There was a time when our society honored that. There was a time when there were healthy societal boundaries around work time and family time. A time when not so much a phone call was answered during family dinner time. Now we’re attached to our smartphones and children on their iPads, at the dinner table. Just take a look around at restaurants. We are always connected. Learn to rest. Establish a healthy boundary that protects this essential time.

Finding Balance and Aligning with Individual Values in the Digital World

Navigating the digital landscape can be overwhelming, particularly for individuals striving to maintain authenticity and align with personal values. Amid ever-evolving algorithms and platform requirements, finding balance is crucial.

One strategy for achieving this balance is to prioritize self-reflection and introspection. By regularly assessing the alignment of digital activities with personal values and goals, individuals can ensure that their online presence remains true to themselves. Additionally, setting boundaries around digital usage can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy relationship with technology. Allocating dedicated time for rest, relaxation, and offline activities fosters a sense of balance and perspective, allowing individuals to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters to them.

Moreover, seeking out supportive communities and like-minded individuals can provide invaluable encouragement and accountability in the journey towards digital balance. By intentionally crafting a digital presence that reflects individual values and promotes well-being, individuals can navigate the digital world with purpose and authenticity. Despite the challenges posed by algorithmic changes and platform dynamics, fostering a digital presence that reflects individual values ensures resilience and fulfillment in the online sphere.