Nope, Google has not taken over a zoo. The buzz about Google Penguin update has nothing to do with adorable and charming, black and white animals. In fact, for many entrepreneurs who extensively utilize the internet for their business, the rise of the Google Penguin update is nothing entertaining.
It is true that Google implements a lot of changes with their algorithm every year. Surprisingly, if you keep track of these changes, you will see that there are more than 500 alterations in a matter of 12 months. For some, the algorithm changes no longer cause an alarm. However, the release of Google Penguin update in April 2012 triggered a major discussion.
This new algorithm is Google’s tool in improving the quality of information that are available online. Contrary to what other people assume, this is not a step which aims to eliminate and bring down the websites. Although it caused changes with the mechanics of search engine optimization, this new algorithm makes is possible for Google to easily identify spam within the expansive worldwide web. Penguin update pin points web content that is overloaded with keywords, rehashed content, cloaking or altered and unreliable links.
In reality, it is not purely a negative thing but also a step in cleaning up the web. If you are not doing any irregularity online or you stay away from spam, this new algorithm should not affect you in a negative way. The launch of this algorithm hinders the strategies of those who are trying to work around the rules and regulations which have long been implemented. On the plus side, this transforms the SEO competition to a fair and square game.
How do you know you would not get slapped by the penguin?
Since the introduction of this new algorithm, a lot of people were forced to do changes in their website or else, they might end up shutting it down. Though the rules have become tighter, there is a way to ensure that you would not be affected by this algorithm. For those who have suffered the consequences, there is also a method to recover from it.
Do not assume that all the SEO techniques that you have learned in the past should be thrown out the window. It is just a matter of taking the right steps and not going against the regulations.
1. Include a Lot of Relevant Details in Your Articles—Even with the implementation of Google Penguin update, articles can still be used as promotional tools for your business. Just make sure that all articles that you will publish are original and not created by some automated software. If you think the auto-submitters are excellent, think again. These will turn you to a spammer before you could blink your eye. The articles should always contain really useful and relevant information.
2. Regulate Your Use of Keywords—Even before Google Penguin update was born, it is never right to overstuff your articles with keywords. Now, doing this can really get your website into some serious trouble. Limit the keyword density in the articles. Do not insert keywords and key phrases within the content if it does not sound good.
3. Use Title Tags Wisely—Using keywords for the first part of title tags is not wrong. However, it is ideal to include the specific name of your company or brand of your products too. This will help Google in recognizing your content as legitimate and trustworthy.
4. Constantly Update Your Website—Frequently adding new content is still a good strategy when optimizing your website. You can add new blogs or update the featured products in your website. Ideally, this has to be done on a daily basis. At minimum, fresh content should be added to the site at least once a week. Aside from articles and blogs, original videos and photos with the right title will also help in improving the rank of your website.
5. Utilize the Webmaster Tools—There is no way to fully grasp how Google interprets the content in your website. To make sure that you at least have an idea if you did something spammy or if Google saw glitches, errors and blocked content in your site, always check the information from the webmaster tools. If there are problems within your website, repair them immediately.
6. Replace URLs with Anchor Texts—Before Google Penguin makes you take the heat for putting too many URLs within your content, it is best to use various anchor texts. When choosing the words for the anchor text, make sure that these are also closely relevant to the page which it redirects to.
7. Do Not Overplay Link Building—Unfortunately, there are some people who have become overly greedy with the back links that they could get. When using link building for your website, limit the connection only to other sites or topics which are related to your website. This is the safer way to go to avoid all the hassle.
8. Maximize the Use of Internal Links—Since you would be limiting back links a bit, it is best to have an alternative source of traffic, right? Creating links within the pages of your website is a good strategy. Making it easy for visitors to go from one page to another improves traffic in your site and heightens SEO.
9. Regulate the Ads—Even if you have all the money in the world to use for various types of online ads, learn to regulate them too. Bombarding internet users with your ads would not help. Aside from hindering the ease of navigation, this will also make Google Penguin update to question your website.
10. Stop Trying to Think About How to Trick Google—You can stay up all night and try to formulate a method which allows you to work around Google’s rules. Do you really want your business to suffer the repercussions? Of course not. It is easy to avoid the painful pecking of Google Penguin update in your website so long as you are playing the game according to the rules. Yes, it may take a little more effort but this means keeping your website up and running, and maintaining the credibility of your business.