How to get in Google’s good graces after the Panda update

 

In April, Google released its latest major algorithm change called “the Panda update”. The update analysed the 46 billion pages Google currently have indexed to improve their search results and bring you the best possible content.

So far Google has released 14 panda updates all of which are put in place to attempt to refine Google’s search engine results for the better.

What is Google Panda?

Google’s Panda updates are designed to target and penalise websites with weak content and to reward websites with high quality content.

Get in Google’s good graces and avoid getting penalised:

1. Produce high quality unique content -

You should be uploading unique content to your website as much as possible. The best way to do this is with a blog.

2. Become an authority –

In Google’s eyes, a website with authority is one with a good amount of traffic, social likes and backlinks. Again the best way to achieve this is by writing a blog.

3. Promote content over social media

Use your social platforms productively, aim to post articles and comments at least once a day. This will show Google you are actively engaging with your audience.

4. Improve Bounce Rates

Aim to keep people on your website for longer. Provide relevant content and clear call-to-actions to help guide the user deeper into your website.

5. Improve User Experience

Make your websites user-friendly by using clear navigation and call-to-actions throughout your website. Here are some of the best ways to the improve user experience.

6. Focus on High Quality Backlinks, especially if you only have low quality ones

7. Vary Anchor Text – 5-10 keywords and alternate between them

You may be focusing on one specific keyword (e.g. websites for estate agents) but you still need to vary your Anchor Text. Try to avoid putting Anchor Text on a single phrase throughout your website. Vary this by linking words to relevant internal pages.  

8. Get rid of low quality pages –

Keeping your website up-to-date and fresh can be hard work but is essential for SEO. The quality of your page will be measured on several factors including the relevance of the content, the way it’s been written and the quality of the backlinks to the page. Be sure that any pages that contain keyword stuffing or irrelevant content is removed.    

9. Avoid duplicate content and scraped pages –

Don’t copy content from other websites, make sure everything on your website is written by you and not lifted from any other website.

10. Avoid keyword stuffing –

Use a language that sounds natural, Google will penalise you for writing content specifically for the search engine.

By Luke Stanley
SEO Consultant