Another Google Algorithm Update
The latest Google Algorithm update, has really made headlines across the web. It is said to have the most affect on Blogs and Websites, than any previous Google Algorithm before it. Also referred to as the “Over Optimization” Penalty, this latest in a long line of Google Algorithm updates, is apparently being used to create an even playing field for smaller “Mum& Dad” style websites, to compete along side the big brand Websites(Companies)
I had my own take on this particular Google Algorithm update, and I did not hold back with my views on how Google wishes to hit Websites with it’s Google SEO over optimization Penalty.
The way I see it is that eventually if Google keeps along this path, websites will be penalized for following simply page optimization practices. Soon Website owners would be hit with a ranking penalty, for having done some post editing, or fixing up spelling and grammar errors.
Sounds far fetched? penalizing sites for basically following many of the rules Google once considered acceptable seo.
Over on the Website Marketing land, a fantastic article by Danny Sullivan, “is Google over optimization penalty, it’s Jump the shark moment, in web search?
Yeah, it’s a huge title. Though, Danny has done a great job of really looking into the Google Algorithm over optimization penalty, in an honest, no holding back manner.
Here is a tiny snippet from the Danny Sullivan article:
Why did Seo have to get mixed up with spam?
We’ll see what really happens. But what’s disheartening is that talk of the forthcoming penalty will likely cause some people question any type of SEO at all. Until now, I’d say Google has been very careful not to equate SEO with spam. They are two different things, such as email marketing being distinct from spam mail. But talking about an “over optimization” penalty confuses the two.
There is plenty of interesting reading in the article. Danny Does the right thing and looks at both sides of the story. So, his views are more balanced than many other articles out there, either written by Google groupies and/or fan boys, or on the other side, by those that always seem to have an axe to grind whenever a new Google Algorithm is released.
Google Algorithm Updates Make People Talk
One thing is for certain, there is plenty of passionate discussion going on in regards to the Google Algorithm Over Optimization penalty.
Over at Ana Hoffman’s website “Traffic Generation Cafe” Ana did an article recently titled Is Google Taking arms against link building? as part of her weekly ” chop shop” series.
Ana has included a number of very well written articles from people quite well known in the world of blogs. There are some very interesting views put forth.
Ana also mentions how the latest Google Algorithm over optimization/ link building penalty, has now become a topic very dear to her(As her website seems to have been affected by this latest update)
Over at the Link Assistant website(yes the seo/ keyword tools site) an article by Olga(no second name shown) where Olga goes straight for the throat of the Google Algorithm Penalty, Google’s Over Optimization Algo update to put Seo to an end?
Sounds kind of over dramatic! Though, if Google do not slow down with both the number of Google Algorithm updates(500 in past 12 months) or the scope of their influence, Olga’s words may turn out to be quite prophetic, indeed.
I must admit that I have had quite a bit of interest in how the Google Algorithm updates are affecting our sites. Ever since the Google Panda Update I have kept an eye on both how my own site(s) are being affected, and also listening in on the effects on other peoples sites.
There is really no way to know all the Ranking factor markers Google is using to make it’s decisions on. We can only do our best, and hope that in Google’s eyes, we have not crossed the line with whatever Seo practices we are currently using.
What are your thoughts on the Google Algorithm over optimization penalty?
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Danny.
All I know is that I am loosing tons of SEO traffic and have no answers as to why, Danny.
Good thing I have readers like you who actually like to read my blog… lol
Thanks for the mention!
My recent post My Favorite Bite-Sized Web Traffic Tips: Reader’s Digest Version
Ana, firstly my apologies for the late response.
I am sorry to hear about your drop in visitor numbers. Hopefully, this will only be a temporary issue and your traffic numbers get back on track…..
It seems that many sites have had similar experiences with some very large drops in Search engine(organic) traffic.
I know this may sound far fetched, but there is a theory out there that, Google actually does regulate the amount of search engine traffic, any given site may be receiving.
When I really think about it, this sounds very feasible(possible).
There has been a large increase in particular types of websites that seem to be getting all the ranking love in the search engines. This in turn would also mean that, the bulk of traffic would also be heading in those directions.
Many have stated, Google can simply switch traffic on or off(like a tap) to whichever type of site that suits them(benefits them) by throwing in another Algorithm update, or giving preference to Google orientated sites.
There are literally hundreds of ranking factors alone. So if Google made any changes to say " 10 " of those factors, this would change how sites are performing, and influence the amount of search engine traffic they receive.
Nice to see you here, Ana.
Daniel….