Google PageRank Algorithm Change

It appears that Google has updated their algorithm behind the PageRank (PR) bar in the Google Toolbar.

This would appear to be the second time they have worked on the PR algorithm in the last 2 years. The previous update did little other than dropping PR across the board. This change is targeted and has some marketing folks in a tail-spin.

Bad Links

According to Matt Cutts, a Google insider, the algorithm change is targeting "bad links". Google repeatedly says that you should not rely on traded and purchased links to boost your PageRank. They say that the best links are one way and freely given.

I'm here to tell you that idea works really well for Google but it rarely happens in reality...

How should you react?

If you are actively buying or trading links via an affiliate program you need to reconsider and quick. Google is highly sophisticated and they can tell if links to and from your site are mixed in with links to gambling, porn, cartographers, etc.

Do you sell Adsense content-network ads on your site? It's possible you will see a PR drop for links outside of your industry...

How Will First Scribe React?

We won't. We don't sell or trade links. We are listed in some small business directories and I can't see that as a negative impact on our site.

Our PR has fluctuated between a 5/10 and a 6/10 over the last 4 weeks. I'm seeing similar fluctuations on our competitions' sites so I'm not alarmed.

Interestingly enough - our organic search engine rankings increased as our PR moved. Some competitors are no longer on the first page...

Is it permanent?

Yes and No.

The change happened some time in the Sept. or Oct. and they will undoubtedly tweak it again this quarter. Google often makes algorithm changes that over-reach the target and then they tweak it back.

New Staff Member Introduced to SEO

Before I started working at First Scribe Inc., I thought I knew almost everything there was to know when it came to web design and web development. I didn’t know the importance behind SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

There is a science to integrated web development SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Future clients of First Scribe Inc. should understand the importance of search engines and how search engines correlate to the success of their online presence. To put it simply, if the search engine can’t find your website, a potential customer won’t find your website either.

Not only does your website need to look inviting to a potential customer with immediate calls to action. Your website needs to be search engine optimized. Some First Scribe Inc. clients have us optimize their website; others prefer not to have us optimize their website.

The First Scribe Inc. clients that have their website optimized by the First Scribe Inc. team have seen increases in online sales/leads that they have never dreamed of.

If you have an online business and you are wondering why your website isn’t generating sales/leads like you expected. Ask yourself this question; “If a search engine can’t find my website, will a potential customer find my website?”

The answer to that question is a simple "No".