This week Google has released a new enhancement to its search algorithm called: ‘webspam algorithm update/spam fighting algorithm update’. This update aims to catch out people who are spamming the search results or that are purposely breaking Google’s guidelines. Google doesn’t want people to be able to game search results and worsen the experience for users.

This algorithm update is designed to target sites, which are using webspam tactics such as keyword stuffing and unusual link patterns.

This change will dramatically decrease the rankings of sites breaking Google’s guidelines. The update represents another step in Google’s efforts to reduce webspam and promote high quality content.

Google deems webspam to be pages that are trying to gain better rankings through:

• Keyword stuffing
• Link schemes
• Cloaking, sneaky redirects or doorway pages
• Purposeful duplicate content

These black or grey hat techniques are nothing new; Google has been targeting these types of webspam for the last ten years. This update is more of a refresh of Google’s spam detection methods.

Google says this new update will impact about 3.1% of queries in English.

This algorithm update will by no means have an impact on any campaigns we are working on since we are not using any webspam tactics to manipulate the search engine rankings. We are only using white hat SEO methods to promote and rank sites. We aim to focus on creating high quality sites that give a good user experience and employ white hat SEO methods instead of engaging in aggressive webspam tactics.

If you need any help with this please do not hesitate to give us a call on: 01793 238 697.