Someone analyzed several of Google’s “Publisher Success Stories” and found most were hit by either the HCU, March Core update, or both.
Morgan:
We are one of those success stories Google photographer was actually here shooting us for a second feature as the update started in March and crashed our site.
Brian Spears:
My site was part of the Google PSS (not included in the video), and we were crushed during the October to March updates.
We do nothing that the search team claims to be targeting.
We have offline expertise and a helpful resource according to our audience.
We’re not “SEOs,” we don’t consider ourselves a “niche site,” and we do not partake in AI or spam content.
Our site was made from passion and a genuine desire to help people.
Regarding the PSS, I don’t blame the Googlers who run this program for any of what’s happening in search right now.
They are great people, and participating in PSS was a great time.
I’ve made great friends, visited Google offices all over the USA, spoken with politicians, and advocated for small publishers and businesses.
It was a highlight of my career in this field, making what’s happening to us even more saddening and frustrating.
Some screenshots from the success story book:
“Celebrating publisher stories” – and a quote about how SEO helped.