Category: Google Algorithm Update

Google Cracking Down on Pop-Ups in January

Posted on by creative
Google has announced that it will begin cracking down on “intrusive interstitials” on January 10, 2017, because this type of ad “can be problematic on mobile devices where screens are often smaller.” Google will be potentially penalizing — i.e., lowering the rankings — of these web pages. Google said “pages where content is not easily accessible to a user on the transition from the mobile search results may not rank as highly.” Google explained which types of interstitials are going to be problematic, including: Showing a popup that covers the main content, either immediately after the user navigates to a page from the search results, or while they are looking through the page. Displaying a standalone interstitial that the user has to dismiss before accessing the main content. Using a layout where the above-the-fold portion of the page appears similar to a standalone interstitial, but the original content has been inlined underneath the fold. This article originally appeared on Search Engine Land, to read it in full, click here.

Penguin 4.0 Is Finally Here

Posted on by Richie Lauridsen
A little over four years ago, Google unleashed one of its famously-named algorithm updates, once again named after a black and white animal: Penguin 1.0 was released into the wild on April 24, 2012. The algorithm update was designed to punish sites with low-quality links, or sites that sought links for the sole purpose of manipulating Google’s search algorithm. While linking tactics like these had worked to influence rankings in the past, Penguin came and ensured it denied webmasters the ability to artificially influence rankings with spammy link building. via GIPHY With subsequent updates, Google flexed its power by further extending Penguin’s reach. More websites were penalized for poor link profiles that violated Google’s quality guidelines, and Google had webmasters removing links and cleaning up webspam before they had a chance to return to their ranking in Search Engine Results Pages. A big caveat for websites that were forced to remove links was that they had to wait–Google couldn’t really process the signals that indicated the site had cleaned its link profile until the next iteration of Penguin happened. via GIPHY As of today, that all changes. Today, Google announced that Penguin 4.0 is in the process of being rolled out, incorporated into Google’s core search algorithm and updated in real time. This should mean more frequent changes in Google’s search results, with Penguin’s influence on the algorithm regularly rewarding or admonishing webmasters based on inbound links. via GIPHY In addition to going live, Google has indicated that Penguin 4.0 will impact sites on a more granular basis, rather than impact the entire domain. The impact of that is unclear, but presumably, this means that if a particular page on a domain has a large number of low-quality links, that page may be impacted, while other pages may still rank. via GIPHY While webmasters had to wait years for Penguin 4.0 to roll out, it’s also the last release of its kind. This algorithm update will now become an endangered species, relegated to Google’s core algorithm and updated in real time. Google will no longer announce changes to Penguin as it will now be a real-time signal. If you think your site could use some Penguin protection, get in touch today!

The Breakdown of #Mobilegeddon in 5 Minutes

Posted on by Taylor Mak
Image courtesy of krheesy. Photo was altered for this piece.
    Mobilegeddon is here. Well, as of Tuesday (April 21, 2015). Commence heavy breathing. Here are five things you need to know about Google’s algorithm change and what it means for you, all in less than five minutes.

1. What is Mobilegeddon?

Simply put, Google tweaked its search algorithm, giving mobile-friendly websites a boost on smart phones. Meaning that the search engine now favors websites that adjust for smaller screens. Sites that are deemed not friendly –– texts that’s too small, sites with slow page speeds, and are graphic heavy and hard to navigate, will appear lower in the search results. Search results on desktops and tablets will be unaffected by the new algorithm. But it’s still a significant impact, as mobile makes up half of Google searches.  

2. What does it mean for me and/or my business?

According to Forrester Research, 86% of all U.S. smartphone users search via Google, but only 38% of business websites are currently optimized for mobile. If your business decides not to take steps towards mobile, then you risk being buried among 177 million websites in Google search.

 

3. When will I see an impact?

Google says it will take about a week(s) for the change to take place. So, be ready.  

4. How do I know if my site is “Mobile Friendly”?

It’s actually a lot simpler than many would think. Head over to this link: https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/ and plug your site in. It’s easy as that.  

5. WHAT DO I DO????

There’s really only one option. Update your website, either with your web consultant, your website host or get in touch with a web design service who can. We happen to have one in mind…