Posted Tuesday, October 18th, 2005. Filed under Google.
Google's updating, look for a few minutes, then get back to work. The sky really isn't falling, Google's just going through some growing pains. Matt Cutts mentioned that they're constantly working to improve algorithms and scoring, with some changes hardly noticed and some more visible.
When Google goes through changes, people instantly question everything they're doing: newspaper links, buying links, not buying links, site-wide links, homepage links, too much or too little content, updating too often or not enough, joining a link network... the list of popular theories goes on and on.
I'd look at what Google might be trying to achieve in the top 10 results for clues as to what they're looking for. Before jumping to conclusions about analyzing one site, analyze the top 10 and see what merits those sites have, then fit those lessons into your SEO plan. The only guarantee in this business is that as search engines change, so must SEO techniques evolve. Let the insanity begin, meanwhile you can find us working.
Linda Vincent: Really this update is getting on our nerves. Though we weren't hit very seriously compared to others, we did drop one page, and that really hurt traffic. Hope this ends soon and we get back to relevant search results.
Nick: I agree with you totally! Every time Google tweaks its algorithm, I shiver down to my spine not knowing what effect that could have on my website! Bottom line, no blackhat techniques.
Richard: As a frequent reader over the years, just wanted to let you know that your sound advice is always appreciated!