As you may know, Google is constantly making updates to its search algorithm. In fact, these updates occur many times each month, but they don’t typically affect a large number of searches. When they do release an update that is going to affect a lot of searches – typically 5% or more – they give the update a name. The most recent update called “Penguin” was rolled out on April 24th.
Here is a list of the main things this update is for:
1. Aggressive exact-match keyword usage in links.
A common misconception in the SEO industry is that you should only optimize your site for a small number of highly searched keywords. This couldn’t be further from the truth and this update fights against that exact technique. Google looks favorably on sites that have a diverse link profile with many different keyword phrases. This is why your SEO campaign should optimize your site for a wide variety of keyword phrases rather than just a few.
2. Low-quality link spam.
Most low-cost SEO firms build many links using software, paying for links or by placing links in blog comments on irrelevant websites. The reason they do this is it that these techniques typically get quick results that don’t cost much. The truth is the results don’t last long and clients end up back to where they started or worse. This is why you should only build links to your site from relevant pages within your industry. You nor your SEO company should never pay for a link as this is against Google’s guidelines. You should only link from and to websites where the link relationship makes sense.
3. Aggressive on-page keyword usage
The Penguin update is also going t affect people who over-optimize for specific keyword phrases. Your wording should look and feel natural and you shouldn’t repeat the same words or phrases over and over again. Keywords should be present in Title Tags, H1 Tags and content, but not excessively. If you aren’t sure, have a neutral third party read your page. If they think it sounds funny or repetitive, you’ve probably been too aggressive.
Have you been hit by this update?
If you believe your site may have been hit by this update please contact us today about our Penguin SEO Report. Where we analyze your website for 15 factors that could cause your site to be penalized.
Learn More About the Penguin Update
