Every time a new Penguin update is being announced, website owners start to worry about the impact it will have on their websites and their rankings. There is a lot of talk about the most recent Google Penguin update which is said to be better than the other updates that have been released so far. This Google update targets websites that have lost traffic and rankings before and have done nothing to improve their websites’ content and links. On the other hand, websites with valuable, original content and relevant, useful links will benefit from Google updating its search engine to the Hummingbird Algorithm.
1: What websites does Google Penguin update target?
To begin with, it should be clear to all website owners that this update is a threat only to those who practice poor search engine optimization techniques and who don’t have relevant content on their websites. Also, Google pays more attention to the links you have on your website, and if you have comment spam, guest posts on unreliable websites, poor article marketing that contains obvious keyword stuffing, and links from dangerous sites you should worry about this recent update.
Reference: Goodwin, Danny (2013) Google Penguin 2.0 Casualties: Why Sites Got Hit, [Online], Available: https://searchenginewatch.com/article/2271305/Google-Penguin-2.0-Casualties-Why-Sites-Got-Hit [19 October 2013].
2. Can you overcome the Google Penguin update?
It is needless to say that Google is the most powerful search engine motor and that most people use Google whenever they need information or an answer to a certain question. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in SEO, but what most websites aren’t aware of is that SEO techniques are not all equal; hence, it is important to make use of high-quality SEO in order to improve website ranking. A long-term strategy is essential in order to create a powerful online presence and the first thing you should do is stop using bad links, copied content, and keyword stuffing. Adequate content and social media marketing will be valuable for your website.
Reference: Rathore, R.S. (2013) How to Overcome Google Penguin Update Penalties, [Online], Available: https://www.analyticbridge.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-overcome-google-penguin-update-penalties [19 October 2013].
3. How to create a website that will no longer be affected by Penguin updates?
It is possible to have a website that will not be harmed by Penguin updates; to this end, you should take some measures, such as detoxifying your link profile, adhere to Google’s rules and guidelines, publishing only genuine content, using only the best practices for the promotion of your website, make use of social media services for they will help you reach numerous potential customers. In shorter words, you can deal with the negative consequences of the Penguin update, but this process takes time.
Reference: Rathore, R.S. (2013) How to Overcome Google Penguin Update Penalties, [Online], Available: https://www.analyticbridge.com/profiles/blogs/how-to-overcome-google-penguin-update-penalties [19 October 2013].
4. What did Google say about the Google Penguin update in its initial launch?
According to Google, websites that ignore Google’s existing quality guidelines will certainly witness a decrease in rankings. This recent update is meant to deal with webspam and at the same time to encourage high-quality content. Although Google doesn’t want to reveal how one could trick its search results, it does mention that those whose goal is to create an engaging user experience for their visitors and make use of accepted SEO methods don’t have to worry about this update. Also, Matt Cuts states that people should shift their attention from links to the user experience they provide and they should focus on creating compelling content that will not pass unnoticed.
Reference: Crum, Chris (2013) Google Penguin Update 2.1 Is Bigger Than Your Average Penguin Refresh, [Online], Available: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/3-ways-content-will-affected-googles-latest-hummingbird-update/71473/#JqjDMysJqAdX8Ho3.99 [19 October 2013].
5. How can you create a stronger presence in the online environment?
We should underline the need for more specific pages, pages that include microdata. Matt Cutts emphasizes the importance of authorship tags and explains how important they are for local SEO and how they help Google differentiate you from potential spammers. It is important to implement safe and effective SEO techniques that will not make you a Penguin update target.
Reference Whyte, Joe (2013) Penguin 2.0 Update & Its Effects On Small & Medium-Sized Business, [Online], Available: https://www.webpronews.com/penguin-2-0-update-its-effects-small-medium-sized-business-2013-07 [19 October 2013]
6. Google update its search engine to the Hummingbird Algorithm- is this change visible or not?
Although Google claims that websites shouldn’t notice or be affected by this change, the truth is that it has affected search results. Furthermore, SEO experts are looking for ways to adapt their websites to this new algorithm. We should underline the fact that this algorithm focuses on useful content. Therefore, if you have valuable; e-content on your website chances are you will be able to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Reference: Schwartz, Barry (2013) SEOs Adapt To Google’s Hummingbird Algorithm,[Online], Available: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-hummingbird-seo-17493.html [19 October 2013]
7. Is this algorithm relevant to the future of SEO?
We should start by saying that Hummingbird is one of the greatest algorithm shifts we have witnessed these recent years. Its purpose is to deliver “fast and precise results” and to improve the search results experience for users. What most people don’t know is that this algorithm has the power to analyze complex questions longer and faster and to offer the best answer to the searcher. This algorithm is relevant to the future of SEO because it no longer focuses on keyword searches; on the contrary, its main interest is the question-based, conversational search.
Reference: Shanahan, Brien (2013) What is Google Hummingbird and What Does It Mean For The Future Of SEO? [Online], Available: https://www.steamfeed.com/google-hummingbird-mean-future-seo/ [19 October 2013]
8. Google updates its search engine to the Hummingbird Algorithm– how does this change search results?
This algorithm enables Google to answer complex search queries, to provide relevant search results for comparisons and it improves mobile search design and functionality. Hummingbird puts an end to keyword-focused content, is designed to focus on specific user questions.
Reference: Shanahan, Brien (2013) What is Google Hummingbird and What Does It Mean For The Future Of SEO? [Online], Available: https://www.steamfeed.com/google-hummingbird-mean-future-seo/ [19 October 2013]
9. Can you take advantage of the Hummingbird algorithm?
If you create useful content in numerous mediums, distribute your content and share it, build relevant links, do your best to enhance the overall user experience, and offer your visitors the info they need fast you will have a website that will be highly ranked.
Reference: Shanahan, Brien (2013) What is Google Hummingbird and What Does It Mean For The Future Of SEO? [Online], Available: https://www.steamfeed.com/google-hummingbird-mean-future-seo/ [19 October 2013]
10. Google updates its search engine to the Hummingbird Algorithm- how is Goggle content affected?
Your website should have content that satisfies intent, matching the query of the user to relevant content. After the release of this algorithm, we have witnessed a focus on user intent as opposed to keyword-based interpretation. Also, websites should have deep, rich, relevant content, authorship matters and the role of algorithms in optimization will become more important. To sum up, although we are all aware of Google’s unpredictability, the shift towards a semantic Web is obvious.
Reference: Egan, Rick (2013) 3 Ways Content Will Be Affected By Google’s Latest Hummingbird Update, [Online], Available: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/3-ways-content-will-affected-googles-latest-hummingbird-update/71473/#mo4tzOFkF2zeqhiV.99 [19 October 2013].
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About Author
Mihai C. Tudorache
I am the president and co-founder of GAMIT. My business administration background is important in understanding our client’s necessities, so my expertise includes building comprehensive and all-inclusive SEO strategies for lead results. Our advanced SEO solutions are developed through extensive analysis and complete SEO improvement audits.