Be Aware of the New Google Penguin Algorithm Update

Be Aware of the New Google Penguin Algorithm Update

Web developers have often used underhanded methods to increase page ranks of websites. To quash such efforts, Google recently unleashed Google Penguin. This is an algorithm created for the Google search engine that checks for websites using unethical practices to improve their Google ranks. Not only is Google lowering the ranks of such websites but in certain cases the search engine is even banning these websites. Black Hat SEO techniques cannot be used any longer. Many prominent websites like the one operated by clothing giant JC Penny were severely affected by this algorithm. Only good content and web development practices can guarantee good page ranks. These are some methods that all web developers should avoid.

Content Duplication

Google is now banning websites that duplicate their own content or copy large pieces of content from other websites. This was earlier being used by spam and malicious websites to direct traffic towards them. So avoid putting the same content on all the pages of your website. Also don’t copy content from other websites onto yours. If you see that other suspicious websites are using your content, then report it to Google.

High Keyword Density

Many websites stuff their web content with keywords to improve its Google rank. This is being penalized using the Google Penguin. Use an appropriate number of keyword or keyword phrases in the web page. Also do not use unrelated keywords on your website just to improve its ranking. Try to use different keywords in different web pages. It is also not advisable to use trademarked names and words, which do not belong to you, in your website.

Cloaking

This practice is guaranteed to get your website banned. Cloaking is a method that allows visitors to see completely different content than what Google sees and is used extensively by web developers. Distasteful and harmful content is often hidden this way using page redirects and clever programming. Instead of using cloaking to gain traffic, use the right keywords and website directories to popularize your website.

Stacking of Titles

HTML title tags are used to name the different pages of the website. Although you must name all the pages correctly, do not try to add many titles to one page. This technique may have worked before but not anymore. Google will now improve the rankings of websites that have only one title for each page. Optimize these titles by adding appropriate keywords.

Bad Neighbours

It is important to exchange text links with other websites but Google is now checking the quality of websites that link to your website. Many website developers use paid linking and exchange services to increase the number of links on the internet. These links are often placed on suspicious and spam websites. Also, do not place links to other websites without checking them first. This could seriously affect the rank of your web pages.

Text Hiding

Google algorithm is now finding and lowering the rank of websites that use colors to hide text. Do not hide unnecessary text by keeping the same background and font color. Keyword stuffing is possible by using this method and many websites hide unrelated keywords and links by matching the font and background color. Also maintain the correct font size. Websites that hide keywords by making them very small usually find that they do not work.

Article by Webcrowd Web Hosting Australia