What is Google Penguin?
Google Penguin is an algorithm introduced in April 2012, designed to identify and penalise websites with low-quality content written to manipulate search engines into achieving better rankings. The algorithm focuses particularly on pages that use black hat link building methods, which can result in what is known as a Google Penguin Penalty. This "penalty" causes affected pages to be removed from top positions in search results.
When the algorithm was rolled out, more than 3% of English-language search results (SERP) were affected. Today, Google Penguin is no longer a separate update but part of Google's core algorithm, meaning it operates in real time. This allows changes in link profiles to have a near-immediate effect on search result rankings.
What factors trigger a Google Penguin update?
As mentioned above, there are two factors/methods that trigger a Google Penguin update. These are the following:
- Link schemes: Links from low-quality and/or irrelevant websites obtained with the aim of manipulating search engine rankings. This often includes purchased links from so-called "spam" sites and the use of aggressive anchor texts with many keywords.
- Keyword stuffing: Excessive use of keywords in content to achieve better rankings. This method has become ineffective since the introduction of Google Penguin.
What should you do if you have been penalised by Google Penguin?
If a website has been hit by Google Penguin, it is important to remove the elements that triggered the penalty. This may include:
• Remove or disavow harmful links: Use Google's disavow tool to reject links from domains that are damaging your link profile.
• Analysing and building a healthy link profile: Focus on acquiring natural links from relevant and authoritative sources, as this strengthens your site's credibility.
TIP!
Read more about Google Disavow and how to do it here.
Are you unsure how to navigate the challenges following a Google update?
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