How to Reverse the Effects of Google’s “Panda” Update

When you hear or see the term, the first image that probably comes into your mind is a cute and cuddly black and white bear. However, there is no adorable aspect about the top search engine’s ranking algorithm. In fact, it filters websites thoroughly and verifies content for relevancy. If the site does not pass the update, it can be affected greatly.

Before we tackle the main subject – recovering after losing your top spot in search engine result pages (SERPs) – let us have a quick look at its top updates.

• Panda Update 1.0 – Also known as the “US Panda Update”, it was rolled out in the United States on February 24, 2011.

• Panda Update 2.0 – Also known as the “Panda UK”, it was implemented on all Google sites using the English language on April 11, 2011.

• Panda Update 3.4 – The latest algorithm search was rolled out on March 23, 2012. Accordingly, it aimed to lessen the ranking of low-quality websites, especially those with the following characteristics:

• Low value for the users

• Copied (and often irrelevant) content

At the same time, it intended to offer higher ranking for excellent sites with the following features:

• Original content

• Credible and valuable information (e.g. in-depth reports, analysis, research, etc.)

Did your ranking improve or decline after the latest Farmer (another name for Google Panda) update? If it went down, you can take note of the following tips to help your site.

Recover from the Latest Google Panda Update

1. Create quality content

By “quality”, this means that your website has to contain information with these aspects: informative, well-researched, relevant to your main theme or niche, useful, and insightful.

Starting now, you need to modify each page on your site. To do this, you have to provide it regularly with details that are capable of enhancing user knowledge. Additionally, you can add statistical figures and facts through infographics (information graphics – graphic visual illustration of data) for more credibility. Finally, you can include videos and images for added appeal.

2. Enhance link building

To do this, Google advises to avoid spam links through article directory submission, blog commenting, and forum spamming. If you are successful with the first tip – create quality content – you can obtain organic and natural links.

On the other hand, you have to vary the anchor text for your website’s internal links by using branded or naked (containing domain and page name) URLs since they are simple and search engine friendly.

Finally, you can acquire links by submitting content to reputable blog sites.

3. Take advantage of social media

As of late, several Webmasters are linking to networking sites such as Twitter, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. You should do the same since Google looks into social media signals. And, when plenty of users deem your content relevant (seen through the amount of shares, likes, or follows), the higher your ranking will be.

To really be successful in this field, you can apply the following guidelines:

• Create an official fan page for your site on various social platforms.

• Add each webpage with buttons or widgets to make following or sharing easy.

• Add posts, updates, and tweets regularly.

• Explore the entire features of your profile pages, so you can make the most of it.

So, there you have it. These pointers can help you get back on track after the impact of the current Farmer Update.

As a final note, always remember that the contentment of your target audience is synonymous with high ranking from Google. Therefore, you must always keep both parties happy with your website.