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Helpful Content Update
Also known as · HCU
Google algorithm system that demotes content created primarily for search rankings rather than for users.The Helpful Content Update (HCU), now part of Google's core algorithm, targets content created primarily for search rankings rather than for users. Templated programmatic content, AI-generated filler, and undifferentiated affiliate content are the primary targets. HCU impact is sitewide — a portion of unhelpful content can demote an entire domain.
Related terms
Other seo terms.
Google Business Profile
Google's free local business listing that powers Maps + the local pack.
Schema Markup
Standardized JSON-LD data that helps search engines understand page content.
Core Web Vitals
Google's three user-experience metrics: LCP, INP, CLS.
LCP
Time until the largest visible element finishes rendering. Target: under 2.5s.
INP
Latency between a user input and the next visual response. Target: under 200ms.
CLS
Aggregate measure of unexpected layout movement during page load. Target: under 0.1.
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