Google algorithm updates always seem to send the web into a tizzy when they are first released. Every blogger, marketer, SEO, and webmaster out there is up in arms about new changes that kill their rankings, mess up their strategy, or whatever else.
It’s a little dance that Google and the rest of the web do every few months. For years, Google has been the King of the internet. As the number one search engine and site on the web, it’s no wonder Google’s actions seem to touch everyone in the web business.
It is Google search engine results that truly determine how successful your site is. The goal for many years now has been to rank near the top of Google, making search engine optimization a priority for many webmasters and companies.
As Google rolls out changes to their algorithm, SEO individuals have to adapt. The most recent Google update, Penguin, released in April is requiring a lot of alterations and adaptation on the webmaster front. If you’re blog or site was hit hard by Penguin, try these three strategies to cope:
Content, Content, Content (Seriously!)
As the phrase goes, content is king. We all know this. Though optimization has become a huge aspect of successful web success, quality content remains paramount.
The Penguin update paid special attention to certain SEO tactics that compromise content quality, but boost ranking. Rather than focusing on on-site optimization for every single page element on your site, build content that is truly useful and engaging.
Yes, this means you might need to utilize that English degree or break out your grammar book from college. Evaluate your audience. What can you provide them that will really keep them around?
Use writing techniques that are engaging. Ask questions. Pose issues. Do your research. Creating a lot of content is good—but only if the content itself is good. You want to focus on content quality and have on-site optimization be secondary.
Monitor Your Backlinking
This is one of the biggest areas that Penguin focused on. Backlinking is a long standing technique used to gain more links throughout the web and find higher search rankings. Writing guest posts is a wonderful way to get links to your site out on the web. Penguin has stressed the importance of relevant backlinking.
Many bloggers will guest post for various blogs, with varying focuses, linking back to their site. Now, with the update, if the backlink and the subject matter do not relate, Google will knock the backlinked site. Make sure that your content is relevant to the site you are representing.
Get Diverse
As a good line of defense, many professionals also suggest diversifying your SEO and traffic efforts. Don’t put all your rocks in the Google bucket (though it is a good bucket to bet on). Consider other search networks like Yahoo and Bing.
While these too avenues are not the “kings” of the internet like Google, they are important and they do have users. This can help your site not take such a heavy blow the next time Google updates its algorithm.
This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.
