Google recently launched its Penguin update algorithm that “is aimed at decreasing search engine rankings of websites that violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Penguin]. What this means is that Google is trying to remove those websites that have over-indulged in search engine optimization and schmarmy keyword techniques that appear in your Google results even though you are not really searching for them. What this also means is that if you are a website owner and have taken your SEO over the top, you will be wanting to be sure that you are abiding by the Google Penguin recommendations so that your site is not blacklisted.
If you are concerned with maintaining your ranking and visibility on Google, review these general guidelines for site owners:
- First, don’t panic. Google changes their algorithms all the time. And please do not start deleting a bunch of content.
- Remove the over-keyword phrases in title or Htags, such as “great cookbook, cookbook recipes, greatest cook” and replace it with something like “Great cookbook recipes”
- Go to Google webmaster tools to read through their recommendations and checklist for site owners.
- Read more about what Google Penguin is and isn’t. Here are some more resources:
Again, Google regularly changes their algorithms so there is no reason to panic. However, if you have been overdoing it on your site, you will want to take certain precautions to be sure that the new Penguin updates do not negatively affect you.