Panda Update
This morning Google realised a Panda update, it contained information on how they determine quality web pages or articles from poor ones. This update is possibly one of the most interesting released by Google for many a year. It clearly shows how detailed their algorithm is in quality scoring a web page.
To assist webmasters in understanding the latest update I will go through each point and add my own simplified comments, hopefully this will be useful for website owners who are looking to improve their sites performance within Google’s organic listings.
Would you trust the information presented in this article?
Authority websites are generally those that display site links, for example if I type into Google, Business Services UK I see
Business Services UK
Top ranked Search Engine Optimisation specialists providing a transparent and cost effective service.
www.businessservicesuk.com/ - Cached - Similar
Free Press Release
Free Business Directory
Low Cost SEO
It would be fair to say authority websites hold a fair amount of weighting when compared to others.
Is this article written by an expert or enthusiast who knows the topic well, or is it more shallow in nature?
All articles should display an author, it would appear authors have their own strength related score, interesting.
Does the site have duplicate, overlapping, or redundant articles on the same or similar topics with slightly different keyword variations?
Spinning articles on the same website should be avoided like the plague, it is obviously a clear attempt at search engine manipulation
Would you be comfortable giving your credit card information to this site?
Websites with automated payment schemes that are working well appear to be given slightly more precedence, interesting.
Does this article have spelling, stylistic, or factual errors?
Spelling and grammar have always been an important factor in the quality scoring of a web page, the new aspect appears to be the addition of factual information. I would hazard a guess Wikipedia is being utilised.
Are the topics driven by genuine interests of readers of the site, or does the site generate content by attempting to guess what might rank well in search engines?
Keep content on theme, many sites drift in an attempt to generate unrelated keyword traffic
Does the article provide original content or information, original reporting, original research, or original analysis?
Once again Google are issuing a warning about spinning articles, do not go down this road
Does the page provide substantial value when compared to other pages in search results?
A natural comment, how does a web page or article stand up when compared to others targeting the same phrase(s)
How much quality control is done on content?
My own interpretation of this comment is, do webmasters amend site content or articles as facts change?
Does the article describe both sides of a story?
An interesting point, most articles view a specific subject from a one dimensional standpoint, most subjects have opposing opinions. It appears we are being told to provide balanced arguments.
Is the site a recognized authority on its topic?
Are site links related to the keywords
Is the content mass-produced by or outsourced to a large number of creators, or spread across a large network of sites, so that individual pages or sites don’t get as much attention or care?
Mass syndication of articles is now seen as a poor method of Internet marketing, avoid.
Was the article edited well, or does it appear sloppy or hastily produced?
Google appears to have the ability to semantically analyse content to see if it’s accurately structured
For a health related query, would you trust information from this site?
Once again the ‘trust’ element, no doubt Google takes particular interest to bounce rates
Would you recognize this site as an authoritative source when mentioned by name?
How often is your website mentioned on external websites, I guess the more people are talking about it the better.
Does this article provide a complete or comprehensive description of the topic?
Often articles are produced for the benefit of keyword absorption, it would appear Google want more from article submitters, certainly more than sound SEO fundamentals
Does this article contain insightful analysis or interesting information that is beyond obvious?
Speaks for itself
Is this the sort of page you’d want to bookmark, share with a friend, or recommend?
I have often thought that bookmarking forms an important element within SERPS
Does this article have an excessive amount of ads that distract from or interfere with the main content?
I wonder if Google mean any page that displays more than 2 ads is penalised, I say this as you can only add 2 adsense adverts to any single page
Would you expect to see this article in a printed magazine, encyclopedia or book?
If your work is added to powerful publications it would naturally be a sound method of validation
Are the articles short, unsubstantial, or otherwise lacking in helpful specifics?
The amount of words used on any webpage is an interesting subject, it would appear more is better than less
Are the pages produced with great care and attention to detail vs. less attention to detail?
One spelling mistake or grammatical error may be fine, more than this and a page or article is possibly penalised
Would users complain when they see pages from this site?
Google obviously monitor complaint boards/websites and understandable practice.
There’s plenty of information there, no doubt over the coming weeks other marketing experts will provide their own analysis of this Panda update, I will be interested in their findings.
In conclusion, take care with your on-site content and do not search for the elusive shortcuts, they may work today but in the long run they will certainly damage your attempts to dominate the major search engines
Have a nice weekend
Pete Arkwright
This article is sponsored by Nurse Supplies, the leading provider of nursing accessories
Date Written: Sat, May 7th 2011
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