Most of Google’s algorithm changes are more like tweaks that the average user won’t even notice.
But they’ve said they’re working on an algorithm change that will affect 11.8% of the billions of queries they handle. And that means your site is probably going to be affected.
The update will down-grade the sites that ‘are low value add, copy content or that are just not very useful’ and at the same time it will improve rankings for sites with original content and information such as research, in-depth reports and thoughtful analysis.
It’s another sign that search is now so much more than just picking keywords, it is about providing insight, opinion and, above all, something useful.
In 2010, we achieved full Google accreditation and had more search-related ‘can you help us?’ conversations than you can shake a USB stick at.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is fundamental to the planning, building and growing of a website, simply because Google (and its competitors) wants to feature unique, useful and jaw-droppingly interesting websites in its search results.
With every development Google rolls out, the SEO landscape expands and this will continue in 2011. Instant Search and Search Suggestions now make the longtail just as important as that elusive vanity phrase. Site Previews will enable users to pick sites based on look and layout. There’s more to search than just picking the right keywords.
However, the point of greatest interest will be where search and social media meet. The websites that succeed in search will be the ones that make a positive contribution to the social graph of their online communities.
And what about analytics? Now you can track almost everything, the challenge is to ensure business decisions and strategies are based on data that really matters. So 2011’s key question won’t be “How are we monitoring our visitors’ behaviour?” It’s going to be “What are we going to do with this insight?”
Want to hear our ideas?
Darren and Lisa are our latest experts to express their point of view – and it just so happens they’re on opposing sides of the aisle. Darren believes that ideas are everything, Lisa believes it’s all in the data.
Watch Darren and Lisa go head to head as they discuss the relative merits of creativity and science. Then cast your vote in our online poll and join the debate.
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