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Google Penguin Updates

We at West Los Angeles SEO are dedicated to staying current with every update to Google’s algorithms that determine SER s (Search Engine Results. Google Penguin is a code name[1] for a Google algorithm update that was first announced on April 24, 2012. The update is aimed at decreasing search engine rankings of websites that violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines[2] by using now declared black-hat SEO techniques, such as keyword stuffing,[3] cloaking,[4] participating in link schemes,[5] deliberate creation of duplicate content,[6] and others.

Penguin’s effect on Google search results

By Google’s estimates,[7] Penguin affects approximately 3.1% of search queries in English, about 3% of queries in languages like German, Chinese, and Arabic, and an even bigger percentage of them in "highly spammed" languages. On May 25, 2012, Google unveiled the latest Penguin update, called Penguin 1.1. This update, according to Matt Cutts, was supposed to affect less than one-tenth of a percent of English searches. The guiding principle for the update was to penalise websites using manipulative techniques to achieve high rankings. Penguin 3 was released Oct. 5, 2012 and affected 0.3% of queries.[8]

Google’s Penguin feedback form

Two days after Penguin update was released Google prepared a feedback form,[13][14] designed for two categories of users: those who want to report web spam that still ranks highly after the search algorithm change, and those who think that their site got unfairly hit by the update. Google also has a reconsideration form through Google Webmaster Tools for the 700,000 sites. Matt Cutts explained that over 600,000 of them were about black hat and less than 25,000 about unnatural links.

Google launched the Penguin Update in April 2012 to better catch sites deemed to be spamming its search results, in particular those doing so by buying links or obtaining them through link networks designed primarily to boost Google rankings. When a new Penguin Update is released, sites that have taken action to remove bad links (such as through the Google disavow links tool or to remove spam may regain rankings. New sites not previously caught might get trapped by Penguin. “False positives,” sites that were caught by mistake, may escape. Our latest news about Penguin is below.


No, Google Hasn’t Released Unannounced Penguin Updates

Is Google pushing Penguin Updates without announcing them? A recent Google video might give that suggestion, but the Google tells us this is not the case. Confusion Over Penguin Refreshes The last time Google has confirmed a refresh or update to the Penguin anti-spam filter was back in October 2012, with Penguin Update 3. That was about 4.5 months ago. In a recent Google Webmaster Hangout with Google's John Mueller, one person asked John about these updates. John replied in a manner that may be interpreted as Penguin is updated on a more regular cycle but not always announced.

The basic advice is simple, SEOs and webmasters need to do one thing – diversify.


We at West Los Angeles SEO are not just recommending that you just focus on Bing and make sure your site does well there too. Yes, if you lose all your Google traffic, ranking well in Bing is nice but since Bing only has about 30% marketshare, you are still missing out on a lot of traffic..

We as one of Los Angeles best SEO companies recommend that you diversify outside of search.  “Algorithms change. Rankings change. Competition happens.” It does – so look at social media, look at Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest as traffic sources. Look towards email marketing and other forms of offline marketing.

Of course we at LA SEO recommend you build the best site in your niche, make yourself an authority and your site should be “future proof.” But in terms of what is important for Google and Bing in the future, Duane says “search is influenced by social today.” What is next? Also, what is the next SEO spam tactic and are you doing it?

So when Bing talks about Google’s latest update, they are not just saying leave Google for Bing – they are saying – be a smarter marketer and think about the future, making the best resource and most importantly – diversify.

Many site owners complained that even after they made changes to their sites in order to be more “Panda and Penguin friendly,” their sites didn’t automatically recover. Panda updates do not happen at regular intervals, and Google doesn’t re-index every site each time, so some site owners were forced to deal with low traffic for several months until Google got around to re-crawling their website and taking note of any positive changes.

Google Penguin Update Overview:

The Google Penguin Update launched on April 24. According to the Google blog, Penguin is an “important algorithm change targeted at webspam. The change will decrease rankings for sites that we believe are violating Google’s existing quality guidelines.” Google mentions that typical black hat SEO tactics like keyword stuffing (long considered webspam) would get a site in trouble, but less obvious tactics (link incorporating irrelevant outgoing links into a page of content) would also cause Penguin to flag your site. Says Google,

Sites affected by this change might not be easily recognizable as spamming without deep analysis or expertise, but the common thread is that these sites are doing much more than white hat SEO; we believe they are engaging in webspam tactics to manipulate search engine rankings.

Site owners should be sure to check their Google Webmaster accounts for any messages from Google warning about your past spam activity and a potential penalty. Google says that Penguin has impacted about 3.1% of queries (compared to Panda 1.0’s 12%). If you saw major traffic losses between April 24th and April 25th, chances are Penguin is the culprit, even though Panda 3.5 came out around the same time.

West Los Angeles SEO are aware of all he remedies and solutions to help  websites recover from loss of  traffic  they might have seen as a result of both Google Panda and Google Penquin updates.

Penquin 2.0   It’s easier to comply than fight the latest changes

On May 22nd Google's head of webspam, Matt Cutts, announced the launch of the search giant's latest algorithm update, Penguin 2.0. In essence, it turned the volume up on its original Penguin algorithm and targets websites with inbound links from questionable, low-quality, and irrelevant sites. Digital marketers who want to know more about this update and how to react will find advice and solutions in the new eBook, SEO in a Post-Penguin 2.0 World. Here are three steps taken from the eBook that will help you recover if your organic search traffic has experienced a dramatic decline since the release of Penguin 2.0.

1. Create Remarkable Content
Targeted at a Specific Audience. Google has been telling everyone for years to do this. However, search engines traditionally haven't been very good at distinguishing good content from bad content. This latest update helps it further validate the off-page signals (links) that segment remarkable content from the rest . Online content must be consumed, shared, and cited if it is to gain visibility in search results. If content is truly remarkable and easy to find on relevant and authoritative third-party websites, search visibility happens naturally. The Penguin 2.0 update specifically targets websites that are getting the majority of their links from unauthoritative or untrustworthy third-party websites. This is generally an attribute of unremarkable content. We at West LA SEO are experts at creating content not only that will engage your clients, but will also help your site rate high in the search engine results. Also, we only create links that are meaningful and legit.

2. Create Advanced Content
Advanced content is more than just an article or blog post. We at West Los Angeles SEO would call this sort of content a Youtility. It usually comes in the form of a problem-solving eBook, white paper or guide. SEO in a Post Penguin 2.0 World calls this a contribution to an industry .Advanced content that's well-researched, well-written and impactful is a link-worthy asset. People want to consume, share and cite it if it's remarkable. In the long-run, creating linkable assets of this nature will organically build a diverse set of off-page search signals. In the short term, they can drive referral traffic, conversions, leads, social buzz and e-mail list growth. We at West LA seo can help your site become an authourity and a interactive site with meaningful posts and interactive blogs. We like to co-write meaningful content with our clients as you/ they are the true experts in your field with the business experience that no amount of just writing skills can replace.
West LA SEO can help your site recover as quickly as possible from any negative impact the latest google updates have had on your site and business.  There is also a formal process in which a request can be made to Google to re-evaluate your site and to take into consideration the changes made to your site in complying with Google guidelines