Google’s New Updates - What You Need to Know

In the last two weeks some website owners have seen their site traffic and search engine rankings plummet like a stone. Some have lost as much as 85-90% of their traffic.

In this article, find out if your site is likely to be affected and what you can do about it.

Two Major Changes from Google

First, Google formally announced last week that their new indexing system called Caffeine is now complete and fully implemented. It’s the biggest change to their indexing architecture since 2005.

Second, Google also announced they’re using a new, permanent algorithm that will affect long tail search results. This change has dramatically affected some sites, which have seen their traffic plummet up to 90%.

What does this mean for you as a coach or consultant?

Google Caffeine

I think Google’s Caffeine system is great. They claim that search results are now 50% fresher than their previous indexing service.

Before, Google used to refresh their index every few weeks. Now they are continually analyzing the web and updating their search results. That means that your site can get indexed and listed on page one faster now.

This change affects everyone and all webpages online. If you haven’t checked your ranking in Google for certain keywords lately, I recommend doing a Google search to see if you now rank, whether higher or lower.

Google’s New Algorithm

This is another great change for coaches and consultants. But first, here’s some background for those of you new to the subject.

Google uses mathematical formulas to determine how a particular site will be indexed and ranked in the search results. Their software processes hundreds of thousands of pages simultaneously - very sophisticated.

These formulas are called Google’s algorithms. They have many of them working together. They’re complex, patented, and most are top-secret. SEO experts are constantly trying to de-code them, like spy messages or something.

This latest algorithm change is permanent, meaning it’s going to be around for a long time. And it mostly affects webpages which target long tail keywords, like “Prices Ford F150 Truck Atlanta.” (Long tail keywords generally have 3 or more words in them and are more specific.)

Thanks to this new algorithm, Google is now able to better filter out garbage webpages with junk, auto-generated content. Those websites that use auto-generating software to create pages are now seeing their traffic plummet.

That’s good news for coaches and consultants who are creating great content webpages on long term keywords like “teen bedroom decorating ideas.” Your articles now have a better chance at ranking higher in the search engines.

What Still Works Great

Google’s advice is to design a long term site that will stand the test of time. I completely agree.

Here are some recommendations to get your site ranked well in search engine results:

Include great quality content on your site. It should make sense and be well written.
Include lots of unique content on your site. Don’t use auto-generating software that republishes other people’s content.
If you’re going to repurpose content, do a good job of rewriting it. Don’t use software that automatically re-writes your articles. That just creates junk content. Instead, take the time to re-write content into great articles that provide value and are at least 20% different than the original.
Get other sites to link to you as an authority site. Publishing relevant articles at EzineArticles.com is a great way to do this.
Use lots of related words when writing content so your articles and webpages sound natural. (This is a key to ranking well.)For example, if you’re writing about cats, don’t just write cat, cat, cats, cat over-and-over again. Use cat, cats, kitten, feline, Cat Fanciers Association, grooming, meow, cat shows, hairballs, litter, scratching, fur…you get the idea.

Also, don’t try to “trick” Google’s search algorithms into ranking you higher. Sooner or later, they will figure it out, and you could get your site banned. (That’s a bad thing you don’t want to happen.)

What to Do Next

Review your search engine marketing strategy and see if you need to implement any changes based on the above recommendations. If you’re using any of the automated techniques that Google discourages, stop immediately before your site gets penalized. Instead, develop a better SEO strategy.

At ESS, our clients’ Mother Lode Websites^TM typically get high search engine ranking. And that’s because we use some really cool ninja-like techniques.

BUT we always try to implement Google’s recommendations for building great quality, authority sites. In other words, we focus on building sites that Google will love and rank well. We focus on a combination of solid, long term techniques that will stand the test of time and cutting-edge Internet marketing strategy.

If I can be of assistance helping you design a great online marketing strategy - for today and months to come - email me for a complimentary consultation. I’d love to chat with you about creating a powerful online presence for your coaching or consulting business.