Q1 Google Search Engine Algorithm Update

Even though Google, on average, makes about 4-6 core updates to it’s ranking algorithm per year it usually confirms about 3 of them.  The March Core Update was confirmed by Google in late April.  Here are some highlights from this update:

• Average word counts for high ranking articles – about 1500 – remained unaffected
• Over optimized SEO – as in too many keywords stuffed into a page is having a more negative effect on rankings now.  Don’t overuse keywords for example:  Don’t say “Our accounting service accounts will find your errors…” instead say “Our accountants will find your errors…”  Or like in good fiction writing: Instead of: “Johnny was cold…”  use “Johnny shivered as he …”
• Excessive pop us are a “no no.”  Don’t spam visitors with pop ups and avoid the temptation to even pop up a newsletter signup box as they leave your site.  You’ll get punished.
• Low Quality Content – As I’ve always said content is the future as in great content.  Don’t hire some $1 an article clown to turn your site into a circus.  Google doesn’t like circuses and your rankings will drop.
• Consistency rewarded – Be consistent when publishing new content such as blogs/etc.  Google won’t reward you for dumping a bunch of blogs or new content every so often but your rankings will ultimately improve if you are consistent – monthly / weekly / daily – doesn’t matter – just be consistent.  Don’t expect to see a positive impact until you’ve showed consistency for about 12 months.