Google Doesn't Hate Me

I don't pretend to be an expert on all things Google, but I can tell you that amidst all the shirt rending and hair pulling (I don't have any anyway), I didn't take a hit from this latest Google change. So I've been trying to figure out why that is. And the following are my conclusions. Take what you will from it, but keep in mind that I'm just one marketer. My results and conclusions might be way off base. Then again, perhaps not.

1. Link Diversity - I make a concerted effort to get links from various sources, not all or even most from just one type. These include blog comments, social bookmarks, profile links, and forum links. Along with some good old-fashioned directory links. Yeah, I'm old school that way. It appears to me that Google just changed the game when it comes to link building. They appear to be downplaying link power and putting more emphasis on what's actually on your pages. That's a good thing!

2. Easy Keywords - I almost called these long-tail keywords, but honestly, as long as the Top 10 competition at Google is easy, it doesn't matter. That just happens to mean long-tails almost every time. My tip here: ignore how much total competition you have at Google. Nothing else matters beyond the Top 10 or 20. Period.

3. On-Page Factors - you simply must get this right or Google will (and just did) smack you upside the head. I'm not just talking about where to put your keyword, either. That matters, but a big part of it is also the experience you give your visitors. My tip here: don't just fill your pages with links that make you money. Strive to give your visitors a better overall experience at your site and Google will reward you more now.

Overall, it seems to me that Google has reset the balance between links and content - in favor of content. That's how it should have always been, imho. If you have a blog, update it regularly. If you have a static site, add more content to freshen things up. And make sure Google can find those new pages easily (link from the homepage and site map).

None of this is Earth-shattering, I know. But the point is, I didn't take really any kind of hit with this last big update at Google. And I think it's because I put my emphasis on the points above. A lot of people who take shortcuts - even some with big-time authority sites - did take hits.

If you remember to think about the experience your visitors have at your site, I don't think you can go wrong in the long run. In other words, mimic Google's stated goal to give their visitors the best results and experience on their pages.

John