[2026 SEO Strategy] 'First-hand Information' and 'Expertise' are Crucial. Techro Releases Unique Insights on SEO in the AI Era Based on Latest Core Update

Techro Inc. (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hiroto Amano), a supporter of lead and deal acquisition for B2B companies, has compiled its unique insights into future SEO measures based on an analysis and fixed-point observation of the Google Core Update implemented in March 2026. We are pleased to release these findings.

In addition, we will introduce key points and countermeasures to be conscious of in future SEO strategies.

### Summary of the March 2026 Google Core Update

The March 2026 Core Update began on March 27 and was reported to have completed rollout on April 8. While core updates usually take about three weeks, this one was completed relatively quickly in 12 days. It is the first major update of 2026.

This update emphasized 'Originality (First-hand Information)' and 'Expertise' more heavily. Its characteristics include:
- Broad and strong impact
- Strengthened evaluation of content originality and expertise
- Significant ranking fluctuations for content generated solely by AI

### Average Ranking Fluctuation by Industry

According to data from Techro, rankings generally tended to rise. Specifically, evaluations were reassessed in specialized domains, resulting in ranking increases in areas where E-E-A-T is prioritized, such as healthcare, nursing care, and welfare (YMYL fields).

Simultaneously, Averi, a US-based company providing AI content tools, analyzed the rank-shifted content as follows:
- Content with original data + case studies: +22%
- Content written by experts with supervisors listed: +23%
- Content not updated for 90+ days: -20 to -40%
- Content generated only by AI without human review: -30 to -50%

It is inferred that content purely generated by AI without human editing, or content unupdated for over 90 days, was judged as inaccurate or outdated, leading to rank drops.

### Content That is Valued vs. Not Valued Based on Original Data

The following are estimated to be important for future content production:

**[Tendency to Decrease in Value]**
- Summaries or re-edited versions of existing info (Second-hand info)
- Articles lacking originality or novelty
- Sites/content with unclear author info or expertise
- Content generated solely by AI

**[Tendency to Maintain or Increase in Value]**
- Content including first-hand info and original data
- Articles reflecting real experiences and specialized knowledge
- Sites with clear author/operator information
- Inclusion of unique information and experiences

As the data shows, AI-only content dropped, while content judged to have originality (first-hand info) or expertise rose. We believe content not edited by humans will not be valued, whereas content edited by humans based on their experiences will maintain its value.

### Key Points for Future SEO and Content Production

Based on the above, the following are important moving forward:
- User-first content aligned with search needs
- Content that maintains information freshness
- Clear indication of author, expertise, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T)
- Ensuring originality through first-hand info and data

In principle, there are no major changes from previous core updates or algorithms. However, 'Originality' and 'Expertise' have become even more critical.

### Towards a New SEO Evaluation Axis Changed by AI Search

The March 2026 Core Update showed that 'rehashed existing information'—merely mimicking info on the web—has lost value, and value has returned to 'human-specific experience' and 'corporate first-hand information' that AI cannot replace. This suggests a shift from owned media as a 'make and forget' asset to a medium that maintains freshness and expertise through continuous effort. SEO is shifting from 'keyword stuffing' to 'properly embedding expertise and trust.'