Google’s most recent algorithm update (A.K.A. Panda) is causing quite the stir in the land of SEO.
The main purpose of the update was to remove shallow sites, content farms, and sites overloaded with ads. According to a recent Wired.com article, it affected roughly 12% of all search results.
Even though Google claims this update mainly affected “low quality” sites, many people have unearthed examples of “high quality” sites that were also affected by the Panda update. Perhaps you were affected as well?
If you’ve been out here long enough you, this drill may look familiar…
– Google makes an algorithm update
– Those affected by the change frantically look for the “fix” to get their site back in good graces with Google
– Google assures everyone this update was necessary to provide more accurate and higher quality results
– Black hat SEOers once again set out to manipulate their links and content in efforts to game the new system
– Those who were “playing fair” and not affected by the update, sit back and watch the drama unfold because their rankings were virtually unchanged
“But Wait… I Was Playing Fair!”
It would be naive and irresponsible for me to say or imply that only “low quality” sites were affected. Of course, when there’s a massive update like this, some of the “high quality” sites are bound to get dinged by the new algorithm.
I’ve read a couple of stories about older, reputable sites with plenty of inbound links that were annihilated by the “Panda.” Based on what I’ve read, this update seemed to rattle the rankings of established sites more than previous updates.
That’s what is so frustrating about SEO. No one really knows what’s going on behind the scenes except Google. And even though their engineers assure us these updates are implemented to improve the overall quality of Google’s results, they always leave people speculating…
Is Google playing favorites and tweaking the algorithm to benefit their advertisers? And does that explain why JC Penney (one of Google’s top advertisers) was able to game the system for so long with their alleged “black hat” SEO tactics?
Why won’t Google be more consistent about removing “low quality” sites from their index?
Why doesn’t Google get more specific in their guidelines about the kinds of sites they will penalize? Is this so they can leave room for manual tweaks made to benefit top advertisers?
I want to make it clear that these statements do not necessarily reflect my beliefs and views. I certainly understand why some would draw these conclusions. Nevertheless, I have no proof. I am just summarizing a lot of the banter that is going around since the Panda update.
If Your Rankings Dropped…
I’ve been mildly impacted by these updates before, and one thing I can tell you is, “Don’t panic.” If you are truly using white hat techniques and are developing original content, things will settle down and it’s likely your rankings will return.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed and it’s all the more reason you should never rely on one source of traffic for your business. It’s easy to get complacent and feel as if Google somehow owes you these rankings you’ve had all these years.
Remember this. Google is a business and they don’t owe or guarantee us anything. While I’d love to believe that all the high-quality sites will continue to thrive with top rankings for years and years, no one really knows what lies ahead for Google and their algorithm.
The only thing that’s constant is change. Google will keep doing what they think is best for their business, and your rankings will continue to fluctuate. Sometimes you’ll win. Sometimes you’ll lose.
I still believe that most “high quality” sites will be OK in the long run, but what if your site is suddenly penalized? If nothing else, let these algorithm updates remind you why your marketing strategy should involve more than Google.com.
Google Panda is focus on low quality content, copies content, content with keywords stuffing, and out dated content also.
After Panda update, Google wanted to site owner to publish fresh and unique content on their website and promotion as well.
I think this is good, and that is the way people with quality and fresh content can rank higher instead of placing stolen content and the content only for ranking purpose. They should focus to provide useful and information information in their post.
Hello Lisa….I wanted to stop by and say congratulations and to keep up the good work. The most sad about is my Google PR still the same. i currently own a dozen plus niche websites that are all profitable and are doing very well with seo (organic traffic is high). Any body have any ideas why?
great post i m always try that i m do not copy other article content and i m always think something different.
I was making 10 euros a day at least from Google adsense…now it is more like 2…but I was a low quality site, so I won’t moan too much! Yes, Panda attacked me.
Google dangerous monopoly
As an example of the power Google holds is the main authority in deciding which site is “good” or “bad”..and this is bad for all of us.
We encourage anyone to use other search engines too.
I CAN TELL YOU THIS: Google may destroy anyone online business overnight!
Google’s business isn’t anymore the search engine. Google’s business is selling and displaying ads.
Google makes money by selling and displaying advertising on Google.
Google is a dangerous monopoly much more than Microsoft ever was and will be!
GOOGLE becomes now the Big Brother of the WORLD WIDE WEB.
Unless people will understand the facts and start to search over Yahoo and Bing – Google will do what it want to do!!!
It isn’t and Google is taking a huge chance on the Panda becuase when people begin seeing that the results are skewed, they will begin using other alternatives because to me, if I were searching “townhome for sale in Virginia Beach,” and a website for Williamsburg townhomes was shown to me, I’d know Google wasn’t providing me with the results I wanted — this is not relevant web search results! Roger Chartier…. ……………………………………………………….
Google Panda has brought major changes by encouraging quality whether its contents or link building. As a reader I’m always on the look out for quality contents and Google Panda has made things easier for readers.
Thanks angela i think im providing a quality free service website teaching people. But it’s just frusterating putting in all these hours, and spending my own money just so no one will view it.
Im so new at this i dont even know white hat let alone black hat. My site is 5 months old, and i was in position 10 for my keyword now im not even ranking. I have more, and better content then my compatition. I dont undestand what happened to me but im quitting soon because of this.
This is in response to gonzotrucker’s post: I agree that it is very frustrating to work really hard on your site and then not rank well. The Panda update was supposed to be all about improving the quality of the search results, but I’ve also noticed that there are many quality sites that now rank lower than lesser quality sites. Sometimes I can’t even find what I’m looking for anymore and have to use a different search engine, such as Bing to find what I’m looking for. I truly think that Google’s search results were better before the Panda update (but I’m sure there will be tons of people that may disagree).
I wouldn’t quit just yet. I’m sure Google isn’t through tweaking their search engine and your rankings could improve if your site has good content. If you are like me, creating websites is so much fun that I could never quit, even if I never rank well for my keywords.
On August 16, 2011, I went from 249 unique visitors down to 123 on Aug 17. Over the past month, this traffic flow has held steady at about 125-150 visits a day, according to Google Analytics. However, I see that my ranking dropped because other non-relavant websites appear above my site.
I’m a Realtor and author and SEO my own site, which I have been doing since 1994. But before 8-16, when someone searched for “virginia beach townhomes for sale,” my sub-page would be in the top 3 slots, always. Now, some other agent’s website appears, but he services another county about an hour away from Virginia Beach. So how it that search relavant? It isn’t and Google is taking a huge chance on the Panda becuase when people begin seeing that the results are skewed, they will begin using other alternatives because to me, if I were searching “townhome for sale in Virginia Beach,” and a website for Williamsburg townhomes was shown to me, I’d know Google wasn’t providing me with the results I wanted — this is not relevant web search results!
I believe panda update only affected the sites with lots of ads and having week content base. Panda Update had no effect on my blog.
It is also said it gave preference to auto blogging sites and scraper sites.
The latest Google Panda Update course some of my products keywords PR up and some down. It have influence my few months sales and traffic.
The most sad about is my Google PR still the same.
If you are hit by google panda keep patience and keep writing and updating your site. If you have lost previous rankings you may gain for the new posts and yes also go for more social media optimization now