Google’s newest algorithm update “Penguin” was recently released and has been making more waves than Google may have planned. Originally titled the “webspam algorithm update”, the update recently launched by Google claims to target spam, which are failed attempts/techniques to gain better rankings. An example of spam would be “keyword stuffing”, which is when one loads webpages with keywords in an attempt to increase their ranking on Google. Another example would be “link scheming”, which is basically artificially increasing your site’s perceived quality and relevance by exchanging links whenever possible. The exchange of links is an attempt to increase rankings because Google’s algorithm credits websites with many links on other sites as important and relevant.
This new Penguin update sounds like a great strategy to induce only the best, most content-rich sources in search results while penalizing “spammers”. Google is attempting to target spam by creating a more precise algorithm that can detect “Over-Optimization” and replace the results with “organic”, higher quality content. However, Google’s infamous cryptic approach to their algorithms and filters is alive and well in the “Penguin update”, causing confusion and uncertainty.
Penguin has caused a major shakeup in search result rankings, a shift that caught many by surprise. Recently, Google released a separate update, which the company admitted erroneously caused many site’s rankings to drop. The lack of transparency involved coupled with vague language and random updates has always been Google’s M.O. However, this update unlike the others has caused seismic shifts throughout Google’s search results.
The newest update has many webmasters and SEOs panicking and it seems as if Google will make the adjustments on the fly. Searches, which prior to the update returned solid, quality content now may return spam-filled blogs with similar keywords to the search terms. This seems ironic, seeing as this is the problem Google is attempting to solve. However, Google has been helpful in some places, notifying webmasters if they are in some way violating Google’s policies, which may allow the webmaster avoid rankings drops.
A company never quick to admit its’ mistakes, it seems that Google has revamped their algorithm and released it far too prematurely. Webmasters would be wise to check their website domain(s) on the search engine to see if they have been penalized. Other than this, the only realistic strategy for SEOs to employ would be to tighten up their sites and wait it out. Many web users who are growing increasingly frustrated with Google’s ways are exploring alternative search engines who are capitalizing on Google’s mistakes. To stay updated when Google makes algorithm updates, check out SEOMoz.org and for more SEO information check us out at MAInteractiveGroup.com.
Tags: google, google algorithm, Google Penguin, MA Interactive Group, Penguin Algorithm, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
