Something Very Strange Going On...

7 replies
  • SEO
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Yesterday I created a thread about traffic being down for my main two sites, which I thought might have had something to do with a recent Google update.

I thought I was ranking lower but this was due to my browser redirecting me to Google UK instead of Google USA (vast majority of traffic comes from USA). Well, I added ncr to the end of google so I'm not being redirected. I typed in several keywords, particularly those that generate the most traffic, and they are in exactly the same position as before. And, yes, I am using Incognito browsing.

I think I can, therefore, eliminate the SERP position being the problem.

You may say the problem is with seasonal traffic. This isn't the case, as traffic should actually increase this time of the year for the niches I'm in.

Not a hosting issue as the two money sites are with different hosts.

Rich Snippets are also working.

I'm really confused by this. It seems that I'm not the only one either - Traffic Down, Rankings Level? Google SEO News and Discussion forum at WebmasterWorld - although I don't recall seeing anything like this on the WF lately. It also happened on Wednesday/Thursday too.

Has anyone experienced this before or have any idea what is going on?
#strange
  • Profile picture of the author internalsoul
    Originally Posted by dreamtoreality View Post

    Yesterday I created a thread about traffic being down for my main two sites, which I thought might have had something to do with a recent Google update.

    I thought I was ranking lower but this was due to my browser redirecting me to Google UK instead of Google USA. Well, I added ncr to the end of google so I'm not being redirected. I typed in several keywords, particularly those that generate the most traffic, and they are in exactly the same position as before. And, yes, I am using Incognito browsing.

    I think I can, therefore, eliminate the SERP position being the problem.

    You may say the problem is with seasonal traffic. This isn't the case, as traffic should actually increase this time of the year for the niches I'm in.

    Not a hosting issue as the two money sites are with different hosts.

    I'm really confused by this. It seems that I'm not the only one either - Traffic Down, Rankings Level? Google SEO News and Discussion forum at WebmasterWorld - although I don't recall seeing anything like this on the WF lately.

    Has anyone experienced this before or have any idea what is going on?
    You must have missed it. Please check it. Big Updates is coming, Next Gen Penguin 2.0 Update.

    What to expect in SEO in the coming months

    And

    Google's Penguin Update Coming In Weeks: Update 4 Version 2.0
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  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    Good video Matt put out I am looking forward to the 2.0 update if you do everything by the book, and produce quality content, this update should only benefit you.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Double check that your actually ranked.

    1) Create a Google URL with your own keyword/s (ex: car insurance):
    http://www.google.com/search?q=car+insurance
    2) Next, go here & paste the Google search URL & take a screenshot.

    Local search results show that screenshot site/server must be hosted in California, US.
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    • Profile picture of the author dreamtoreality
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      Double check that your actually ranked.

      1) Create a Google URL with your own keyword/s (ex: car insurance):


      2) Next, go here & paste the Google search URL & take a screenshot.

      Local search results show that screenshot site/server must be hosted in California, US.
      Not sure I entirely understand the last bit. I typed in Googlecar+insurance with my own keyword, copy and pasted it into Web Screenshots - Take a Screen Capture Online and can see that I'm ranking. In fact, I'm ranking higher than when compared to a normal search through google.
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  • Profile picture of the author IM Ash
    Check your rankings with a US proxy. Here are two online proxies you can use:

    US Web Proxy - Free, Fast and Anonymous US Web Proxy
    http://zend2.com/
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  • Profile picture of the author dreamtoreality
    I thought I would update this. Traffic seems pretty much back to normal today. Yep, keywords are still in the same position they have always been - they haven't moved for a while, to be honest.

    While it's far, far too early to draw any firm conclusions, I'm seeing more long tail keyword traffic today. Perhaps Google changed something a few days ago that affected the long tails.

    This certainly sounds like a logical explanation. I mean I can keep track of my main kw's but not the long tails, and my main kw's never moved.

    Anyone noticed a difference in long tail traffic over the past few days?
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