Google - Destroying Your Business? | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

9 years ago

1. Without Google many people wouldn't have a business. Google giveth and Google taketh away.

2. Many of these small businesses weren't run by good people but run by idiots with their spammy junk that caused Google to change the algorithms for all. One bad apple can destroy the other good apples.

3. This day and age, anyone that relies on any one payment processor, traffic source, or anything else is flirting with danger.

4. There are tons of ways to Google proof your business. For example, paid traffic that builds an email list is out of their hands. Same goes for social media. They delist you - so what. Send out another email and your visitors will be able to find you without Google's help.

Mark

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daftdog

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

1. Without Google many people wouldn't have a business. Google giveth and Google taketh away.

2. Many of these small businesses weren't run by good people but run by idiots with their spammy junk that caused Google to change the algorithms for all. One bad apple can destroy the other good apples.

3. This day and age, anyone that relies on any one payment processor, traffic source, or anything else is flirting with danger.

4. There are tons of ways to Google proof your business. For example, paid traffic that builds an email list is out of their hands. Same goes for social media. They delist you - so what. Send out another email and your visitors will be able to find you without Google's help.

Mark

Well said my namesake! If you stick to Google's rules and do what they want most which is at the moment fresh new content, being mobile friendly and having a social media presence. I started a new site 6 weeks ago and due to keeping to the rules and not looking at crazy ass fiverr gigs that say for 5$ we will get you to the top of Google I rank above all other sites in the same niche that are much older than my site.

In about 6 weeks I have written over 60+ posts....which Google shows me love for doing and also I have a lot of people commenting on my site which makes it a newly updated, social media friendly interactive site!

Saying that I did use a few fiverr gigs but all for social media! But also built most of my backlinks by hand!

Cheers

Marc

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Miguelito203

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

Hello Fellow Warriors,

Well after all this talk about SEO I did some searching online and I came across multiple websites that are raising the argument that Google is purposely trying to destroy small businesses.

Now this gets my alarm bells going for a couple reasons.

1. I had a very successful ebay business with 100% feedback and since 1998 and when Google Panda update came out it literally wiped it out. It wiped out many other ebay sellers in good standing as well not just me. At first I didn't know why I wasn't making any sales any longer but soon I researched it and sure enough Google Panda had hit ebay hard. Not that ebay is any angel as there was suspicion they where trying to get rid of small business too. This was a couple years ago.

2. Now I start researching and viewing multiple current websites like this one below (granted this one is 2013 so it's a couple years old but most are current)

https://www.samuelpizzo.com/blog/goo...l-business.htm

How Google Panda Is Destroying Small Business

(Just Google "Google Destroying Small Business")

I'm very disheartened at this and in fact I was also noticing that what this link above states that when I was searching for a "local mortgage broker" or any other "local" service guess what. Nothing but big corporations come up. So it's not like I'm just reading this I am actually experiencing it.

Long term game plan?! lol it doesn't look good. Google as much as their "Do No Evil" slogan goes well they are messing with a lot of good peoples lives.

Is there any hope for us who want to follow the rules?

I sure hope I'm wrong on this. But I know the devastation I faced with my ebay business the first time around and I notice a lot of the same 'trends'.

Maybe I should stick to day trading (no search engine dependence).

That said I agree there are more ways to market your website than just search engines but SEO sure seems to be the most vital marketing method.

If I'm wrong on this set me straight by all means. Please. I'm looking for some hope here.

Thanks.

J

The thing about Google is that it's not worried about our businesses. It's worried about providing a pleasant experience for the user and providing the user with the most-relevant info based on what the user is searching for. We, as online entrepreneurs, have to work within those constraints. Google will continue to evolve. It is we that must adapt if we hope to continue to make money from it.

Joey

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jordorules

9 years ago

Thank you both for your replies.

So your saying as long as I play within the rules I'll be ok? I am not planning on doing anything outside of Googles rules but from what I'm reading many others where not either and where punished. I experienced this myself with my ebay business.

I respect your views but your saying Google is only cutting out the bad players but it's going further than that and good players are also suffering.

Lets not forget Google is BIG CORPORATE BUSINESS. There is a vast difference between corporate business and small business.

Maybe I'm giving to much weight to SEO.

J

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jasondinner

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

So your saying as long as I play within the rules I'll be ok?

The best thing you can do is not play their game at all. If anything, get them to pay you, but not as your only or largest income stream.

Originally Posted by jordorules

Maybe I'm giving to much weight to SEO.

Way too much. Focus your energy on mastering traffic and conversions, more specifically - paid traffic and you will find yourself saying "Google who?"

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jasondinner

The best thing you can do is not play their game at all. If anything, get them to pay you, but not as your only or largest income stream.

Way too much. Focus your energy on mastering traffic and conversions, more specifically - paid traffic and you will find yourself saying "Google who?"

Thanks jasondinner. That lets me rest a little easier. I'm a hard working person and just want a fighting chance. So I guess by saying "not play their game at all." you have a slight distrust for Google would that be accurate?

I guess with Social Networking and Social Bookmarking SEO is not as necessary as it once was.

Paid traffic via long tail key words as anything else is too expensive.

Much appreciated putting me at ease. My friend explained it to me like as long as you stay under a certain level of SEO you'll most likely always be fine it's a lot of those internet marketers that try to really push for ever single last inch that get hit. Is that accurate in your experience and travels?

Thanks.

J

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jasondinner

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

So I guess by saying "not play their game at all." you have a slight distrust for Google would that be accurate?

Very inaccurate, I just don't want to put my business and my livelihood at the mercy of an algorithm shift where depending on whichever way the search engine winds may blow, I may not have a business (or a livelihood) at all after.

Originally Posted by jordorules

Paid traffic via long tail key words as anything else is too expensive.

So is having all of your revenue fall off a cliff when Google makes some changes to how your site ranks.

Originally Posted by jordorules

Much appreciated putting me at ease. My friend explained it to me like as long as you stay under a certain level of SEO you'll most likely always be fine it's a lot of those internet marketers that try to really push for ever single last inch that get hit. Is that accurate in your experience and travels?

I never really revolved my business around SEO, so based on my experience I couldn't tell you if what your friend told you is accurate.

One thing that may be a good indicator of his accuracy or inaccuracy is how much money he actually makes doing what you're trying to figure out how to do, and based on that, if he's worthy of being emulated.

Just do yourself a favor and take EVERYTHING you're reading in here, especially the stuff that is written directly at you, like all the replies in your threads, with a grain of salt.

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AntonioSeegars1

9 years ago

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by AntonioSeegars1

I also don't use Google as my only traffic source. I optimize all of my website posts to bring in maximum organic traffic, then I work to get direct traffic after this is done.

Thanks AntonioSeegars. Ok so you SEO your website posts but isn't that using Google? What do you mean work to get direct traffic? PPC? Thanks J

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AntonioSeegars1

9 years ago

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by AntonioSeegars1

When I use SEO it's to bring in organic traffic from Google. But once this part is done, when I say I go after direct traffic, I mean that I personally do things to get my website in front of people. I search out where people are at on the web, and any place where I find people that can relate to what I'm offering, I put my link directly in front of them. This can be on forums, blogs, social media, etc...

Thanks AntonioSeegars1. So you do rely on Google. I guess here is what my question comes down to. How do you SEO without crossing the line to where you get penalized by Google or other SE?

Are there basic guidelines you can follow to stay well under the limit Google considers acceptable?

So I guess you just post your link in your signature on forums blogs and social media after asking permission?

Thanks.

J

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AntonioSeegars1

9 years ago

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by AntonioSeegars1

I don't rely on Google, because strictly relying on Google wouln't allow me to make maximum profits. My SEO strategy focuses on using longtail terms in articles that people search for to find exactly what they are looking for, and I make a lot of posts around these words. I often include longtail keywords in my posts that I personally find on the web that don't even show up in keyword trackers. So due to the nature of how I build sites, I've never had problems from Google, including when they do updates.

Linking in signatures works, but what I like to do is search the web for people who are asking direct questions that are answered on my site, then I give them a direct link to my site when I answer their questions.

Thanks AntonioSeegars1. I see. Yes long tail key words are the key to SEO and PPC. That is a very unique strategy I really like it. Searching out the people that are looking for what your offering. Brilliant.

When you say "So due to the nature of how I build sites" what is it you do when building your websites that allows you to stay out of Google's bad books? I'm wanting to know so I don't do it by accident lol.

I appreciate any advice you can share on this. Slowly but surely it's all starting to make sense. Wow is it even involved these days.

J

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ksmusselman

9 years ago

Originally Posted by AntonioSeegars1

When I use SEO it's to bring in organic traffic from Google. But once this part is done, when I say I go after direct traffic, I mean that I personally do things to get my website in front of people. I search out where people are at on the web, and any place where I find people that can relate to what I'm offering, I put my link directly in front of them. This can be on forums, blogs, social media, etc...

I've been doing all of that too. Just don't get too comfortable, because Google could slam all of your organic traffic in a heartbeat, with absolutely no explanation at all, whatsoever. I know. It just happened to me.

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derekwong28

9 years ago

This has been going on for years. It is not only in organic search, it is in Adsense and Adwords as well, where small businesses are banned lifetime often for trivial or inexplicable reasons. Basically, it is a company that has forgotten where it came from.

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by derekwong28

This has been going on for years. It is not only in organic search, it is in Adsense and Adwords as well, where small businesses are banned lifetime often for trivial or inexplicable reasons. Basically, it is a company that has forgotten where it came from.

Thanks derekwong28. Your saying this is for authority websites as well as landing page websites? So the way you say it this practice is completely random? It makes no sense why Google would do this.

J

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derekwong28

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

Thanks derekwong28. Your saying this is for authority websites as well as landing page websites? So the way you say it this practice is completely random? It makes no sense why Google would do this.

J

It is not completely random but quite often no reason is given. Here are some articles worth reading.

Suspended From Google Adwords

https://blog.ahrefs.com/suicidal-goo...royed-business

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noma01

9 years ago

This is so true, Google panda has done a lot to send small businesses to dustbin. It affects one of my site last year. It cause me to start afresh. I did not go against any google rules but i got affected. One of my friend that sale on ebay got destroyed and sales drop significantly. He got annoyed and start looking for solution since last year. He said building a platform people can share their businesses and gain organic traffic will help to limit the fear of going extinction because google and facebook is really hitting hard on small businesses with panda and facebook organic reach drop which is now 2.5% with the expectation to drop more before end of the year.

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@tjr

9 years ago

I don't try to game Google, in return they don't release my search history.

You can have a good relationship with them if you seek it.

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by @tjr

I don't try to game Google, in return they don't release my search history.

You can have a good relationship with them if you seek it.

I've read of too many incidents where Google is messing with good quality businesses. These people sought out a good relationship with Google and got screwed.

Something is not right here. There is more too this. Like the old saying goes where there's smoke there's fire.

I don't trust Google as there is no way all of these people are wrong or violated their terms.

Now Facebook is playing the same game?

Very discouraging.

J

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tacitinc 9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

Something is not right here. There is more too this. Like the old saying goes where there's smoke there's fire.

They have a top tier customer support staff involving their adwords platform & will actively go out of their way to call you & see how they can help you spend your money using their ad platforms... and stroll on over to the Adsense offices and you will see the stark reality we all face as publishers of google. Me, not so much, I left the google band wagon some time ago & have to second with ya jordo, paid search is the key to finally being able to say, Google who??

Google at this point are like women... we cant live with them and we cant live without them Lets all take some advice from Lloyd here and please, come join us on the Google Who train
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clockface

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

I've read of too many incidents where Google is messing with good quality businesses. These people sought out a good relationship with Google and got screwed.

Something is not right here. There is more too this. Like the old saying goes where there's smoke there's fire.

I don't trust Google as there is no way all of these people are wrong or violated their terms.

Now Facebook is playing the same game?

Very discouraging.

J

Look, big busienss/governments play a different game to the masses. They might say one thing, be P.C. but behind the scenes it's all golden handshakes, nudge wink, scratch my back, etc...

It's not as black and white as they try to tell us it really.

10 years down the line it might all come out where G. gets slammed,sued for being in cahoots with big busienss by banning smaller businesses on mass, etc. Same with F.B./EBAY./Paypal, etc.. These are billion$ corporations...they are not playing by the rules they tell you to play by. it's all about who you sleep with and who pays your offshore account. There's corruption at every level. or maybe it will never come out. as long as it remains a huge cash cow they'll keep milking it.

Life is really like the Wizard of Oz. Pull back the curtain and see it for what it really is.

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@tjr 9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

I don't trust Google as there is no way all of these people are wrong or violated their term.

Google doesn't care if you trust them, just like they don't care about these "small businesses" that feel they've been screwed. Their users trust them, and they do because Google does a good job slapping down the punks that think they can use loopholes and call themselves "SEO Experts".
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- jordorules 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by @tjr
  
  Google does a good job slapping down the punks that think they can use loopholes and call themselves "SEO Experts".
  
  Thanks @tjr. So as long as I'm not trying to use loopholes and playing within the rules I should be fine? J
  
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  @tjr 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by jordorules
  
  Thanks @tjr. So as long as I'm not trying to use loopholes and playing within the rules I should be fine? J
  
  Not necessarily. You could suck at providing value. Not saying you do, but there are plenty who try to play by the rules and still don't make it because they simply don't have any talent.
  
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kk075

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

I've read of too many incidents where Google is messing with good quality businesses. These people sought out a good relationship with Google and got screwed.

That's the problem- you have no idea what you're reading or how SEO works, and you're just assuming it's some type of grand conspiracy of Google's to overthrow small businesses. Wouldn't it be like ten billion times more probable that large businesses optimize their sites better than the little guys, therefore they rank better? How is this not obvious?

As I said a few months ago, Google has never changed one single bit since the early 1990's. They have said time and time again that they want the website with the best quality content for the user's needs to rank #1 overall on Google, and it makes no difference if it's a huge brand or a tiny business nobody has ever heard from before. The site with the best overall user experience will win every time, and the only "changes" Google has made is ways to better meet that objective.

So the next time you read an article where someone says, "Google sabotaged my business," ask that person how much content they've posted this week, how many backlinks they have from PR4+ sites and what their overall domain authority is. When they tell you that they have no idea what the heck you're even talking about, then you'll know that they aren't ranking anymore because they do not deserve to. In fact, they likely used shady tactics to temporarily STEAL the ranking someone else that was doing things the right way, and they never belonged in search to begin with. That is a very, very good thing that they are no longer there.

If you want to rank well on Google, then just build a website that others can appreciate and find useful. If that doesn't get you on the first page for your keywords, then that means other sites are better than yours...so either put in more work or give up. It really is that simple.

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jordorules

9 years ago

Originally Posted by kk075

That's the problem- you have no idea what you're reading or how SEO works, and you're just assuming it's some type of grand conspiracy of Google's to overthrow small businesses. Wouldn't it be like ten billion times more probable that large businesses optimize their sites better than the little guys, therefore they rank better? How is this not obvious?

Your insights are appreciated. No need to try and make me feel like I should have known something that is obvious to you. It's not obvious to me and that's why I asked the question. Highly likely there are many others that it wasn't obvious too as well. Maybe you think I'm trying to game the system which I have stated a few times now that I'm not.

Great tips and knowledge and from that I learn. I never held myself out to be a know it all.

Thanks for the break down as that is what I was looking for in the first place.

J

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kk075

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

Your insights are appreciated. No need to try and make me feel like I should have known something that is obvious to you. It's not obvious to me and that's why I asked the question. Highly likely there are many others that it wasn't obvious too as well. Maybe you think I'm trying to game the system which I have stated a few times now that I'm not.

Great tips and knowledge and from that I learn. I never held myself out to be a know it all.

Thanks for the break down as that is what I was looking for in the first place.

J

I didn't mean to be offensive, but you did ask for others to set you straight....and unfortunately a lot of the earlier people commenting are upset since their shortcuts no longer work. That is an extremely good thing though because it tells businesses if they take the time to do things the right way (lots of great content, solid navigation, unique photos/videos, directory profiles, etc.), then they will outrank the spam sites quickly. We all want a better internet and these are the necessary steps to make that happen.

But just so you know, the "conspiracy talk" is offensive and it is started by the folks who never should have been ranked to begin with. They put up a crap site filled with ads back around 2008, bought thousands of spam backlinks for 10 bucks and "gamed" the system enough to get some decent traffic. So then they turned around and made a program that would churn these sites out in a matter of minutes, all with spun content stolen from authority sites. At one point, there were three European companies that had like 18% of all the top search placements and they never even looked at one of their sites...it was all computer-generated spam and they were making MILLIONS every week from it.

Those same companies are still out there today, posting shady tactics and convincing others to "game Google" to make quick money. It's a scam on top of a scam since that stuff does not work anymore and it makes anyone that does actual search optimization seem like a used car salesman. And that's definitely not cool since it costs a lot of people real money trying to get their businesses up and running.

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ksmusselman

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

I've read of too many incidents where Google is messing with good quality businesses. These people sought out a good relationship with Google and got screwed.

Something is not right here. There is more too this. Like the old saying goes where there's smoke there's fire.

I don't trust Google as there is no way all of these people are wrong or violated their terms.

Now Facebook is playing the same game?

Very discouraging.

J

You got that right!!!! All of my sites were already responsive before the Mobile-Friendly algorithm went into effect. So I thought I was safe. Not a chance.

Two of my blogs got SLAMMED in the latest "Phantom" attack having something to do with "Quality Content" and "Newsworthy Content" and providing better user experience, but without any discernible information from Google as to what the parameters were.

But right after that, the traffic on three of my other blogs jumped up! I am totally clueless. The only thing I can think of is that weddings, crafts and e-cigarettes are more newsworthy now so those blogs weren't affected, even though I spend a lot less time on those two than on my primary site.

So I did the only thing I knew I could control and went on every one of my sites and:

• Resized and Re-optimized all the images, especially the header images.
• Reanalyzed the page speed on all of the blogs
• Moved some pages to NoIndex/NoFollow and removed them from the sitemaps
• And so on...

I just now finished adding and verifying the sites over on Bing's webmaster tools and added all of them to Networked Blogs and verified them there too.

I am beyond bummed out and frustrated at this point because it's my PRIMARY marketing blog that got slammed!

I work hard on that one; solid, quality content, imagery and a video on just about every blog post.

I have a couple of mentors who help me critique the site now and then and they were absolutely blown away that this blog got hit.

I've never done anything "black hat" or even "gray hat" with this site - ever. Every post is written by ME personally, and nothing is spun garbage. They're my words. Period. I was even just starting to get people contacting me to advertise on the site!!! That's not happening now.

The other blog may see some traffic start picking up again closer to hunting season, but my primary site? Who the FK knows...

And no, I don't "depend" on Google. I always share my posts across the top social media sites as well, but it just so happened that most of my traffic organically came from Google.

So, it's just a waiting game now I guess to see if anything positive happens since I've made some updates to the blog. I'll keep on sharing new posts to social media, like I have been, and maybe I'll start getting some fresh traffic from Bing soon too.

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DubDubDubDot

9 years ago

Google is not destroying anyone's business. If you get moved down, that just means your website began to deviate away from the metrics which Google believes generally defines a good website.

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Steve B 9 years ago

Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot

If you get moved down, that just means your website began to deviate away from the metrics which Google believes generally defines a good website.

DDDD,

Not necessarily. It could just mean that Google has altered it's ranking algorithm or that other better sites have joined the party and leaped in front of you! You may have done nothing to your site.

Steve
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ksmusselman

9 years ago

Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot

Google is not destroying anyone's business. If you get moved down, that just means your website began to deviate away from the metrics which Google believes generally defines a good website.

What are those metrics? How can you stay within the metrics if you don't know what they are? That's exactly why this last algorithm update was called a "Phantom." Not only was it not announced, they have yet to even explain what it is.

I've gotten a lot of compliments on my site but obviously, "a good website" is very subjective. What's good to the visitors I was getting before the "phantom" obviously isn't good enough for Google. But hell if I know what that means!!

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unicodebd

9 years ago

its true. after update panda one of my website rank fall already.as a result my business go down. now i go with google adwords. no other way

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clockface

9 years ago

Use S.E.O. (if you have time to waste) but neve rrely on it.

If you are worried about them you are over relying on them.

They'll change things around constantly and you will always be at risk.

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clockface

9 years ago

why not build a business that does not need Google? I know some of you might be spitting out your coffee on this but you need to get your head out of the sand and stop being a Google slave.

Google wants, this, G, wants that, don't do this, and do that = still get de-indexed.

Don't bother with the SEO/G. game.

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Turquoise Badger

9 years ago

I never depended on Google for my businesses, but I did follow their rules because that made good business sense. So, be it the Panda, Penguin or bettle or whatever they can't gnaw at business. Having said that it only makes sense for Google to favor the big guns and I think I've seen this complaint several times at different places.

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Sid Hale

9 years ago

I'm amazed at the sense of entitlement displayed by so many here.

Put your big boy pants on.

Google is an advertising company.
The Google search engine is their equivalent of your free ebook in exchange for an optin.

Any traffic you receive from them is free, and because it used to be so easy to get that free traffic, we now somehow feel entitled to it. We get upset when they make it more difficult because it means we have to work harder or find new methods to generate targeted traffic (the holy grail of any marketing endeavor).

Top positioning is still available/attainable - but you won't find any magic button in a WSO (or anywhere else) for attaining those positions. Or, if you do, the results will be short-lived and you'll have to adjust your strategies yet again. Welcome to the world of business.

They created a free utility that has massive demand - the ability to find shit you're looking for. It appeals to researchers, students, engineers, doctors, lawyers, housewives, single mothers, and everyone else - including advertisers (i.e. affiliate marketers). It will continue to have consumer demand with/without giving you free advertising.

If they adjust their free ebook (the search engine) to remove links to their competitors (you and I would have never included those in our ebook to begin with) - they are suddenly some sort of demon?

It was a good ride. Many of you built businesses that would have never seen daylight without the exposure they gave you. If you can continue to capitalize on that exposure, great.

But the bus boys are clearing off the buffet table. The free lunch is ending. If you can grab a few morsels before they finish, great - but if you plan to be here for the long haul, you should be constantly exploring new traffic strategies.

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DemosL

9 years ago

Although I'm fairly new with an online store, I have a QuickBooks Consulting business website that's been up since 2009. Most of my hits come from Google, followed by my listing on bookkeepinghelp.com. I guess the info on my website is unique enough to not raise any issues with Google.

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LaunchPurveyor

9 years ago

Like many, I've been burned by Google in the past. I think it's insane to build a whole business solely around SEO nowadays...just sayin'.

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Victor09

9 years ago

Okay I am new here but I guess that probably gives me a little better perspective than others because you're too devoted to your businesses and since google has such a massive presence everywhere, it has become necessary for you to never completely undermine it.

What I wanna say is that there are other alternatives to google. If it didn't buy/start new service after service, it wouldn't have been what it is today. The way it tries to control the internet and over the years has always strived to do so and in this process has crushed so many businesses that could have done just fine without it. These businesses it actually seemed to support before it bought and integrated a new service into itself or added a new feature. Google is always on the lookout for the next biggest gold mine and increase its presence even furthermore.

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jordorules

9 years ago

Thank you all for your replies. I think part of my issue here is I don't accurately understand SEO. I think also I'm back 10 years ago when it was the only game in town. I'm just going to build it in WordPress and leave it alone so whatever SEO that happens happens. At least that way I don't get penalized. I've been through it once before and it's devastating to a business when traffic falls off the cliff. Maybe Google is doing this on purpose to force people into spending money on AdWords.

I guess also it's my disbelief that you can gain the traffic you need to build your business without SEO and of course without going broke spending on AdWords.

J

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tm124

9 years ago

You'd think with billions of searches a day that Google now gets it would be easy to get traffic. So if people are struggling to get traffic where are all those billions of visitors going that's what I keep asking myself.

Google lie about the amount of searches they get. It's the only explanation.

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Sid Hale

9 years ago

Your analysis isn't even close...

Originally Posted by tm124

You'd think with billions of searches a day that Google now gets it would be easy to get traffic. So if people are struggling to get traffic where are all those billions of visitors going that's what I keep asking myself.

Google lie about the amount of searches they get. It's the only explanation.

Those billions of searches per day are either monetized by the ads that Google places on the pages, or they lead the searcher to one of the top 10 results that are listed.

Those billions of visitors are directed to the listings on the first page of the results. Nothing has changed except the difficulty in getting your own page listed at the top of those search results.

If you can get to that first page for your chosen keyword phrase, traffic won't be a problem - but with so many competing for those top positions, why should you (or anyone else) expect preferential treatment? Either do the work required to gain that placement, or find another source of traffic for your web properties.

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jordorules

9 years ago

I'm just going to put this out of my mind as it's depressing me. J

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ksmusselman 9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

I'm just going to put this out of my mind as it's depressing me. J

I hear that!!!

The only "SEO" I even do on my site is just enough to get the green light with WP SEO by Yoast.

I don't write for Google or Bing or any other search engine. I write for PEOPLE.

I don't add images for the search engines; I add relevant imagery to the blog posts.

I don't do videos for SEO either. I speak to and with my visitors - People.

Obviously, these algorithms are subjective and extremely unpredictable, because with all that I do, it's still not "good enough" for Google.

My plan now for my main site that got slammed is to brush the dust off of some of my older posts and re-share them across FB groups, Twitter and some other social media sites.

I know I'm doing everything the right way with my blog, but you can't please everyone, and obviously my site hasn't picked up enough traction elsewhere to not be adversely affected by a phantom, unexplainable Google update.
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zdebx

9 years ago

The only people who complain about Google's changes are those who solely rely on it for traffic...

Want a solution? Don't rely on Google for your traffic. Simple. Diversify your traffic sources as much as possible, so you won't be dependant on them.

Google is NOT your friend. They are here to do business and making money is their primary concern.

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writeaway

9 years ago

People have been saying the TITLE of this post ever since Google became the market leader in search.

Unfortunately, the response has also remained the same: ADAPT OR DIE

That's the bottom line

If anything, a heavy focus on REAL websites with REAL content that offer REAL value to REAL people will win out over time.

IT might not happen overnight, but that's the only viable WINNING strategy I see.

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CDarklock

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jordorules

Well after all this talk about SEO I did some searching online and I came across multiple websites that are raising the argument that Google is purposely trying to destroy small businesses.

Google is purposely trying to destroy inaccurately high rankings for crappy websites.

This tends to destroy any crappy website that only really gets traffic from Google.

And that, in turn, tends to destroy small businesses - because they have crappy websites that only really get traffic from Google.

The solution is either to get your traffic somewhere else, or get a better website.

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Tony Action

9 years ago

It appears that Google main interest is providing the best online experience for its customers. One of the primary reasons why Google has been forced to make all of these changes is to prevent bad marketers and website owners from bucking the system with scam systems and websites that provide no value for the visitor.

It's unfortunate that a few ruin it for many.

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hardworker2013

9 years ago

In recent months Google has made it very difficult for websites especially new websites to rank.
I guess they are trying to weed out the poor quality websites or spam sites out of the system.
The best way to counter this is to provide quality content on your website and share it on
as many social media platform as possible. Gone are the days when you could buy thousands
of backlinks to rank your website. Google has gotten smarter over the years.

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FreedomBlogger

9 years ago

This is the first time I'm hearing about Google trying to "destroy small businesses"!

I don't think that is true.

What is actually happening is Google is improving more and more on delivering the best service to its users. And if you are not doing that, then why should they give you more business?

Think about it ... Google's main priority is to deliver the best service possible to its users. And if your business, online or even offline, is not doing that as well - then why should they help you get more business?

Why would Google want to send their users to crappy, low quality products and services?

You know what I mean?

I think these are rumors from people who do not really understand how business and the search engines really work!!

I have not had any problems getting free organic traffic from Google so far. Google is actually helping me a lot - by sending more visitors to my blogs online. And that is because I truly care on over-delivering in the value I provide to my niche's audience.

Google loves that!

Google wants to give their users the best ... and, so, they look for the best content for them!

If your business, website, products, etc - is giving the users the best of the best, Google will notice that (by looking at many factors) - and help you get even more business through their search engine!

Makes sense? lol

I hope so!! ..

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jordorules

9 years ago

Thanks for all your answers. I'm committed to provided good quality content I just didn't want to get zapped by Google for no good reason. But as you put it BIG Mike "Is there any hope for us who want to follow the rules?" and the answer is yes.

That's all I want is a fair shot and not get targeted by Google for no reason.

J

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Chris Worner

9 years ago

If your entirely reliant on Google for traffic, you don't have a business.

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jordorules 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Chris Worner

If your entirely reliant on Google for traffic, you don't have a business.

Thanks Chris Worner. Yes that is what I have come to understand thanks to your senior Warriors.

Still that said I do want to get as much free Google traffic as I can via SEO. Of course I must 'earn' it by providing good quality content and following Google's rules.

I just want a fair shake at IM I'm not out to pull a fast one or hire some SEO 'guru' to get me to page 1. As long as I get some organic traffic from the value I provide I'll be happy.

J
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jordorules

9 years ago

Many of the things in your post assure me if I don't do them (which I have zero interest in) then I'll be fine. That's all I was looking for. Some specific things NOT TO DO. Appreciate the specifics.

You are right I don't know what these people did to get punished by Google but being new and naive it concerned me a little. I'm sure you can appreciate where I'm coming from.

J

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Time2Shine

9 years ago

For the past six months there also seems to be a nasty trend of Google rewarding scam sites in the rankings. This is definitely not good for and affiliate marketer such as myself.

I wonder if anyone else has noticed this? I don't know if people click and stay on sites longer with the word SCAM in the title or what the deal is...

Would love to hear someone else chime in on this.

Thanks
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jordorules 9 years ago

Nothing worse than those sites saying "scam" and then they just try and promote what your looking into to see if it's a scam anyway. Ridiculous. Those sites should all be taken down. I agree with you.

J
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zdebx

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Time2Shine

For the past six months there also seems to be a nasty trend of Google rewarding scam sites in the rankings. This is definitely not good for and affiliate marketer such as myself.

I wonder if anyone else has noticed this? I don't know if people click and stay on sites longer with the word SCAM in the title or what the deal is...

Would love to hear someone else chime in on this.

That has been going on since search engines started in early 2000's...Nothing new about that.

Humans are naturally attracted to revelations, secrets, exposed content, etc, that's the reason "scam" reviews websites are popular.

And with regards to rankings, you either compete or you move along.

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simonmks

9 years ago

I agree with Miguelito:
The thing about Google is that it's not worried about our businesses. It's worried about providing a pleasant experience for the user and providing the user with the most-relevant info based on what the user is searching for. We, as online entrepreneurs, have to work within those constraints. Google will continue to evolve. It is we that must adapt if we hope to continue to make money from it.

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jordorules

9 years ago

KK Simon and Z on phone so cant type so good but be back on in two weeks after I move.

Thanks for your input. KK no offense taken we are both aggressive IMers lol

I didnt even know about all those specifics you mentioned so didnt mean to rub it in on others at all.

I want to know what not to do as much as what to do and you can bet nobody but me will handle my own SEO even if Im not good at it as one wrong BSer can talk you right into Googles hit list.

You where one of if not the only person that mentioned multiple specifics so I could put the pieces together.

Much appreciated.

Simon good point on Google is actually protecting our businesses and I now look at it all differently.

Z yes its been going on from day one the entire 'scene' is starting to sink in.

J

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Nonsi

9 years ago

Google always opposite to us. Another big update is coming from google.

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Member8200

9 years ago

Damage Limitation

By being aware of what Google's algorithm updates target and what effect they might have on your site, marketers can adapt their processes to ensure they are not breaching Google guidelines. This ensures that they maintain traffic to keep driving sales or enquiries:

1. Be Selective

Whilst social media provides a great outlet for your content and promotional activities, marketers may look to other websites and blogs to display their content. Not only do you need to make sure that the website itself doesn't contain any spam posts, your content will need to be bespoke for each site you contact. Do not duplicate your content.

2. Focus On Your Meta

Make sure that you include page titles that are highly relevant to the page and a Meta description which accurately describes the content. Also, don't be afraid to add a call-to-action such as 'read more' or 'contact us for more information'. Optimum length for your page title is around 50-60 characters for the page title and 140-150 for the Meta description.

3. Don't Keep Adding Keywords

When writing copy, the temptation is to include as many keywords linked to your content or search query that you're targeting - don't! Write for the user rather than the search engine; whilst some key terms and phrases are necessary; do not saturate your content with them. Keep in mind your customers, and Google will follow.

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