Penguin update: Google Targets Over Optimization
What is the Penguin Update?
Google recently released, "Another step to reward high-quality sites" with it’s April 24th, 2012 Penguin update. This important algorithm change targeted at black hat webspam is intended to promote high quality content and reduce webspam. Google sites that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can be positive and constructive when implemented correctly. Targets of the Penguin include:
- Keyword Stuffing
- Link Schemes
- Over Optimization of Content
- Spun Articles
While Penguins predesesor Panda affected 12% of queries Penguin will only reach 3% of queries. But those 3% of queries are more highly spammed keyword queries. So we have already seen dramatic search result page differences on high volume/traffic related terms.
How Do I know if My Site Was Hit by the Penguin Update?
The easiest way to determine if your web site was affected by the Penguin update is within your Google Analytics account. If you see a dramatic (or minor) drop off in traffic as of April 25th (Released on April 24th, 2012) then their is a great change that you have been hit.
Google’s Penguin Freezing Out Small Business Searches
WebiMax VP of Digital Strategy, Todd Bailey, discusses the Penguin Update on CNBC. May 14, 2012
Being at the top of a Google search results page is a highly sought piece of real estate for many businesses. After all, being listed near the top of the results page on Google can be the difference between gaining new customers and losing them to another company. A recent series of changes released by Google is affecting the way the search engine giant orders their rankings and small business owners have been hit particularly hard by this update…
Next, review your SEO strategies from the past and present day. Have you or a vendor you hired been utilizing black hat or over-optimization techniques to gain rankings? Google, as well as many industry communities have continuously preached white hat techniques for SEO including natural/organic link building through high quality content, public relations and pitches as well as designing sites with the user in mind, rather than the bots.
WebiMax’s Role
WebiMax is a leader in the United States, and internationally, in SEO and Internet marketing. Our team of 150+ employees work within the latest Google Webmaster Guidelines and Industry techniques to increase your brands authority across the web. We practice what we preach with both on and off site organic campaigns that contain fresh and unique content to engage users.
Contact us if you have questions regarding the Penguin Update or your digital marketing needs.
