Google Updates Index Using New Algorithm
This past month, search engine results fluctuated heavily as Google rolled out a three-stage algorithm update known as Jagger. The emphasis of the update appears to be on increasing the value of quality links, reducing the value of link schemes, and removing spam. In past algorithm updates, we have seen rankings shift and jump around, and this update is no different. Over the course of the month, we have seen rankings shift as the three separate stages of the algorithm change went into effect. The changes are in line with the link building methodology that we have preached from the start: build quality links from respectable sites that are related to your industry. This update appears to be rewarding those who have used this strategy and hurting those who have tried to cheat the system via link farms and other linking schemes. Google's spam filter has also been beefed up, taking out sites that employ old but sometimes difficult to detect techniques such as hidden text. The update also seems to place additional emphasis on the age of domains. Google has previously employed measures, such as the sandbox, to prevent new sites from taking over the results, but this update appears to credit domains for their age, rather than only penalizing new domains. These changes mean that search engine optimization for Google will be more difficult down the road, but that is the way it has been since this industry started. We will be closely monitoring rankings next month to see how everything shakes out - stay tuned.
Yahoo Removes Its Two Drink Minimum Equivalent
Yahoo's PPC service had previously required companies to spend at least $20 to place ads. However, with increased pressure from the new MSN PPC program, the company has dropped the minimum spending stipulation. This is good news for niche marketers that only bid on a few low priced keyphrases.
AOL Up for Sale?
Several sources have reported that America Online could be up for sale and each of the search giants, Google, Yahoo, MSN, has expressed interest, though Yahoo appears to have bowed out. Despite AOL's declining popularity in recent years, the site is still one of the most visited on the Internet. It could be a great boost for any of the search engines if they were able to redirect that traffic to their own sites. AOL is currently receiving its search results from Google, but that could change if another search engine bought AOL.