Search Engine Roundtable conducted a poll last week and found that Google’s latest algorithm update, Panda 2.5, was “very significant.” Initially, SER expected the results to demonstrate a fairly minor impact, but it is apparent that Panda 2.5 affected websites more than previously believed.
Brafton reported Google rolled out its new algorithm on September 30 and, almost instantly, some websites found their traffic falling rapidly. The case of DaniWeb, an IT community forum, was especially interesting, as the website had adjusted its SEO strategy earlier in the year following another update, and still saw its site traffic cut in half.
Businesses are often forced to readjust their SEO strategy when Google tinkers with its algorithm. However, Brafton has reported that algorithm update issues may be avoided by focusing on quality content marketing to drive SEO, rather than promotional content or publishing shallow articles produced solely to promote keywords.
In general, Google’s aim appears to be rewarding websites that improve the overall user experience. Brafton reported last week that Google’s head of web spam, Matt Cutts, said site speed should be another SEO consideration. While truly poor site speed is an issue for very few websites, it is used as a ranking signal. Moreover, content pages that link to highly informative, strong landing pages will be viewed and ranked more favorably by Google.
