Google has now announced the changes made to its algorithm. And we can now consider the impact this will have on the blogging communities. I actually see the change as positive. Especially given the importance for bloggers to create quality, original content.
But what do the changes actually mean?
Well, the word on the street is this. The changes to the Google algorithm impact on approximately 35% of web searches. So if your main medium is blogging original content then it wont impact you as much say, as someone who spins a lot of content and uses article based sites such as ezine article.
Without getting too technical; the change will ensure that the search engine results will provide results based on up-to-date and relevant results. Particularly important where ‘update to date’ content is most relevant e.g. hot topics, breaking news, events, or current product reviews etc.
Therefore when someone searches for a specific item, event, topic or news story, in theory the most recent results will appear at the top of the page, with or without the need to identify a specific year or moment in time. So for example; if you searched ‘Who is hosting the Olympics’ It should show London Baby! as opposed to Atlanta.
This latest change to the Google Algorithm builds on other ‘freshness’ updates that Google has introduced recently most notably last years Caffeine update that has allowed Google to index content faster and the Google Panda which has helped reduce the prevalence of poor quality content which was ranking high because it was SEO rich.
Keeping Google Happy.
How does this relate to Bloggers and the quality of your content. Well I guess it depends on why you blog and how much you value the content you post in respect of driving traffic. The bottom line is, whether you blog for fun, to inform, or for business. It will never hurt you to keep your content fresh. How regularly you post also has an impact on the momentum you can create, especially when coupled with quality syndication.
I would always advice you to adopt a regular blogging habit. It will both keep your site looking fresh, but also help you to leverage your time and get the traffic flowing.
As a blogger, it is so important to ensure you allow for comments and community interaction. Even the oldest of posts can be enhanced by new comments and perspectives being left on your content, especially when you interact and build relationships with the commentators.
If you are thinking… Beth that’s great but my blog looks like a ghost time most of the time and I would love to respond to my comments, but I just don’t get any….Then I would highly advise that you join a group such as the Tribe Syndication Association (TSA). The TSA will help you out in this department and really help you build traffic and that community environment you are looking for.
If comments isn’t your issue, but you just want to know where you can get some quality ideas for blog content, check out an old post I did on this very subject called keeping your blog content fresh or look at good all rounder sites like Alltop.
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December 10th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Hi Beth. Thanks so much for the hot tip on Google. As for me it is a blessing because I blog each week, syndicate through TSA and other places and do write original content.
By doing this, I often reach page one on Google! No SEO technical stuff, just plain old blogging. Also our comments to others are very important. I found that commenting on people that I don’t really know well has brought many others into my funnel.
Thanks again for the heads up and I will share this for people to grow their business efficiently.
Donna
Donna Merrill´s last [type] ..Develop Your Power - Part 3
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 12:11 am
Hey Donna,
Thanks for stopping by, blogging each week if you can, is a sure fire way to ensure constant traffic. I also love the comments too
Beth
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December 11th, 2011 at 1:01 am
Hi Beth.
It is very important to Google that we do have fresh blog content. A few years back websites were competing with websites. Now our websites are simply competing with posts.
And with all the changes in the algorythyms, not just Google algorythyms but also YouTube and Facebook and so on, in order for Google to keep their surfers happy they would have to go with fresh content. Nice post!
John Jarvis´s last [type] ..Groups To Join On Facebook – Facebook How To Join A Group – Facebook How Do I Join Groups
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Thanks John and thanks for stopping by.
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December 11th, 2011 at 1:01 am
I have read other articles about Panda and Google’s changes … I still feel that if you are a small business, up-coming entrepreneur or industry professional and you are wanting to get noticed by the search engines - your blog is essentional for having the proper content that not only satisfies the search engines, but most importantly grabs your audience attentiona and keeps them coming back.
If you apply just this one strategy, you will see traffic coming to your site which in turn the search engines will too.
This is really good information that you are sharing here Beth. I can see not only Google but the other search engines change as we continue to see social media grow. Glad I stopped by today, I love your blog and the information that you share.
Lynn Brown´s last [type] ..3 Simple Strategies on How to Build Your Linkedin Connections
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December 11th, 2011 at 3:00 am
Hi Beth,
thank you for the update on how the Google search engine works now, very informative.
You are giving some valuable tips.
Regular posts sound a good polocy and it is something I am gearing up towards.
Much appreciated information!
Yorinda´s last [type] ..Vision Board Part 3 Images
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December 11th, 2011 at 4:33 am
Hey Beth,
Thanks for the update! It’s always great having a “watch dog” on changes that Google makes in its search algorithm!
Fresh, original content has always been on the top of their list. Highlights and updates brings this into more focus.
Warm Regards,
Rick
Rick Samara´s last [type] ..Talk Fusion: What’s the True Value?
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December 11th, 2011 at 5:30 am
Hi Beth,
Thank you for the update on Google algorithm changes. I really like the way you conveyed the changes in an “easy to understand” fashion. I too am not bothered by the changes. It sounds that the changes will be better all the way around because retrieval of the most recent information by Google will enhance the internet search experience for everyone!
I am an “original content” blogger a majority of the time and I do my best to stay fresh as possible. Your suggestion to create a blogging habit is essential and of course, TSA (Tribe Syndication Association) which I am also a member, is an excellent way to create some syndication energy going on your blog. Excellent post!
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn@Empower Network´s last [type] ..Empower Network And Walk The Stage Jumpstart Lead System
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I agree for many original content bloggers this is good news rather than bad and it’s nice to know Google will look favorably on us.
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December 11th, 2011 at 5:59 am
As what I have read recently, content quality is the biggest thing for Google for 2012, although it doesnt mean that SEO will be dead but I think having a quality write up is more favorable to google..just my two cents
Herbert´s last [type] ..Blogging to the Next Level - Bloggers You Dare Not to Follow
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December 11th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Hey Beth,
Thanks for this very good tip. I have found personally for good keyword research, regular or blogging and addressing the unmet needs of the audience is so much relevant for the business and that is why I concentrate in that area.
I had actually assumed that Google algorithm was working as filing system all new data at the top. So this is new to me.
Cheers
Elizabeth´s last [type] ..Empower Network: 100% Commission Is This A Myth?
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December 11th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Hi Beth,
I think it just says London….not London Baby…..lol. Actually my google search comes up with this order; Some web hosting site, Team USA official site, wikipedia, wikipedia, wikipedia, debatabase, and then…London BABY !! LOL
Good article Beth! I use Google Adwords but probably not as much as I should. I wonder how important it is?
Tom Burt
Tom Burt´s last [type] ..You can’t beet em….!
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
December 11th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
No I’m pretty sure it says London Baby! LOL
Thanks for stopping by
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December 12th, 2011 at 2:26 am
Hi Beth,
Great tips! Well Google really feels the need of the bloggers. Most blog that I have seen their content is not good but they are still top when search in google. I’m so interested to join the Tribe Syndication Association, is it free?
Marjorie T. Delcambre´s last [type] ..MLM success
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Hey Marjorie,
The TSA is free, I believe there maybe a minimal admin fee to set your account up but that’s it. You can find out more here http://budurl.com/BlogExposure
I can also add you to our free Facebook group if you are interested. Where you can share your content. I will come find you on Facebook
Beth
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December 12th, 2011 at 3:34 am
I have been an avid writer for many years and I am learning the importance of adding new content to my blog. SEO is still a subject I am learning but articles like yours are a great help. Thank you.
Michael A. Buccilli´s last [type] ..Believe…. In Yourself
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bethhewitt80 Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Glad it helped. Some would say SEO is dead as we know it. You might not need to learn it for much longer
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December 12th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Very informative. Thanks for sharing.
Jeff
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December 13th, 2011 at 4:09 am
Hey Beth,
This is very interesting and glad you are sharing. It seems that google becoming more of a news ticker now, which is great! This is great for bloggers but of course us bloggers have the most original and best content on the web! Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
Talk soon,
Kyle
Kyle´s last [type] ..Why Goal Setting Is So Important To Turn Dreams Into Reality
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December 13th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
The Google Freshness updates knocked a lot of sites that were dependent on older content driving all their traffic. You can spoof people by hiding some of the dates but you can’t spoof Google in that regard. This is Google responding to more and more users appending the YEAR to their search so that they get current posts. Sites that are updated regularly have been highly favored for a while and this is continuing to grow. Fortunately, bloggers have an advantage here as its easy to continue to release new quality content
Kim
Kimberly Castleberry´s last [type] ..WordPress 3.3 – What You Need To Know Before Upgrading
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