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What Is The Infamous Google Panda Update?
I am sure you are asking the famous million dollar question what is the Google Panda update! I am sure that you may have heard about it for some time
As many search engine analysts and gurus spend hours or days trying to crack the mystic code of search engine analysis in which Google defines, the “Oracles of Search” offer their opinion of the update or what they believe they know about it. Well, I am going to tell you the facts, just as Joe Friday from Dragnet always did. “Just the Facts ma’am.”
Google Panda Defined
For some time, Google had been working on a algorithm that examines the quality of the content along with looking at how well or if users are engaged with the content. The Google Panda Algorithm was released February 24th, 2011. Content quality is determined basically by coming up with various methods to review the information being indexed by the Google spider for inclusion in search based on how relevant Google believes the content is based on the particular term or phrase you are searching for. As to what those various methods might be you ask? Well, I will share with you such methods over time.
How to Rank on Google Today
Well I will give you a simple answer that requires work, however the fact is this. Google wants websites to bring unqiue value to the web, so for example, if you search for the phrase “how to make french toast”. you could get an estimated 2.5 millon results. Now, honestly, do you really need 2.5 millon results to tell you how to make french toast? Google realizes it must follow the “KISS” method.(Keep It Simple Stupid) Google needed to find a way to display quantifyable results to users who are searching for something.
Gone are the days in which backlinking and proper article writing along with massive syndication! Don’t misunderstand, those things are still important, but Google is now adding the value of social media into its ranking algorithm. How well users engage with the content by sharing and commenting will now play a role in your ranking efforts!
You have been hit by a Google Panda Update, Now What!
All Google is trying to do is find a way to evaluate search results the same way users do! To be perfectly honest, you should be able to tell intuitvely if the content you are producing is valuable to some degree and that users stand a chance of interacting with such content. But if you have seen a difference in user visits to a site over a period, like a major drop in user presence and interaction, you may have suffered a karate kick from the Google Panda. Here are some tips that may help you:
1. Remove the content entirely – this course of action should only be viewed as a last resort. (figured I give you the worst case scenerio first!)
2. Improve your content –Design your page with the user in mind, put yourself in other peoples shoes. What would you be searching for and how would you interact on a page, and what on a site or page would catch your eye to start that interaction
3. Utilize Analytics. – Utilize Analytics methods such as Google Analytics to measure “user engagement,” Check your page bounce rate which is the rate people stay on a page before they leave. Once you find your answers you can utilize steps 1 or 2 above!
Look, my recommendations may be obvious, but it is fact many people do not follow these steps. Now you can start today, you now have the ammo to move forward! As new updates come out I will post them here to allow you to be first to know and take action to be friends with Google’s Panda.
Hope this helps you, and stay tuned for future updates!
How Google Saves My Marriage!
Google’s new Priority Inbox for Gmail completes my “Hunny-do” list.”
It’s a cool summer night in the middle of September and here I am, sitting in front of my computer, another late night working for several of my clients providing SEO advice, keyword research, and website optimization. Summer in September? What’s up with that! My eyes are about crossed, along with blurred vision.
I feel like Rocky Balboa after the 3rd round of Rocky IV when his trainer asked how he was doing. Rocky replied that his Russian opponent was “winning” and that he sees “triple.” Uncle Paulie gave in my opinion, one of the most famous lines in the film that sticks in my mind every time I try to burn the midnight oil. I can hear Paulie’s raspy voice echoing throughout the far reaches of my brain, “hit the one in the middle!” The hollow sound somehow stimulates my spinal cord to send signals to my brain instructing me to keep on going!
I interpret Paulie’s words of wisdom as instructions to obtain direct focus on my computer screen and “stick and move” with my mouse as I punch the keys on my keyboard in an effort to get the job done. I need to be careful that I do lean to far forward as result fatigue and smack my head on my ’24 inch monitor, thus knocking myself out resulting in a disqualification!
I decided to take a moment and check my favorite email program or “client” (for all you computer “tekkies” out there like me!) after I spent the last 5 minutes listening the boss of the house rant and rave about the fact I forgot to check the regular mail for the millionth time. Yes folks, I, a 34 year old, have senior moments and I am proud of it. It’s amazing i remember to pay the bills on time. I guess it is true that behind every man there is a good woman.
As I stared at my Gmail account through the dense fog of blurriness my tired eyes where creating, I notice something strange. Seeing this item three times, I decided to talk Paulie’s advice and stare intently at the one in the middle. I noticed that the words said “Priority Inbox.” Suddenly I felt a jolt of energy, it felt like I drank a pot of hot Colombian coffee(funny I don’t drink coffee.). So I decided to do some research!
The video below gives you an animated overview of the features and purpose of the Gmail Priority Inbox, See it all for yourself!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nt3gE9dGHQ[/youtube]
With the ability to label your important emails with a star, Google has deployed a algorithm to monitor these important emails and sort and display them at the top of your Gmail inbox. A great tool for an old guy with blurry eyes and senior moment prone. Now I can have my wife send me a email to check the regular, which I will mark important! Now if I could only remember to check my email as well. Hey, I can’t win sometimes, but it is fun trying! My wife will certainly be happy!
Hey Google, here is an idea. Can you create something that will stimulate…. Naaaaaa, some things are better left to the imagination! For now, I will go to sleep and dream about it!
Good Night Everyone!!
Google Learns SEO Thru Company Audit
With the United States economy currently in decline, many business owners have closed down their retail establishments and have taken their business online. In 2009, Circuit City became the most notable business to reestablish itself via the Internet. Now I realize that it is really not that easy for most people to take their business to the Internet from the traditional retail setting, but there are many services that are available online, statewide, or even in your hometown that can help accomplish this task. Some services are free while other services come at a cost. Research is the best thing anyone can do to help decide which direction to pursue when taking your business online. Good quality research does not always come free, but the benefits are highly measurable.
Once you have done your research and your business is now online, the next thing that you may ask yourself the following question:
How do I get my website noticed on the Internet?
This question can be answered by utilizing a unique process envisioned by the experts at Google and other search engines known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Google, in my opinion, has become known as the “innovator” of the SEO process. SEO is a procedure which involves ranking sites at the top of major search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, and more. SEO is a tedious process in which many other so-called experts have tried to duplicate and failed. those who follow the SEO process often believe that it is a “push-button” operation because of the routine nature of the process. The real truth is that the SEO process requires consistency with the level of work that is involved. Google has taken the time to create and publish a free SEO Beginners Guide to help you learn the principles of SEO. Google has achieved paramount success due to advancements in technology and creation of new standards of web marketing and advertising and much more.
Despite the success Google has achieved, there is always room for improvement. During the month of March, Google conducted an internal review of standard operating procedures and policies relating to SEO to ensure that the highest level of standards have been met for a company as powerful as they are.
Matt Cutts, the manager of Google’s Webspam team, recently gave a presentation at Ignite. Ignite is a worldwide event where presenters gather to share information about what they are passionate about. In the video below, Matt discusses the rather hilarious findings as it relates to the company SEO audit.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1iuqHdNfGo[/youtube]
Yahoo and Bing Fall in Love!
Ok, Ok, Ok, maybe it is not that glamorous, but yes, Yahoo and Bing have definitely formed a relationship. A relationship in my opinion has significant effect on searches that internet marketers or SEO experts love to do. To the average user of course, they may not care as to how the results are provided.
It has become apparent that Yahoo has “adopted” the technology that Bing uses to deliver search results in a certain way. This was a move I have been expected for some time. Since Google was determined to dominate the search market, Yahoo has given me the impression that they have decided to disappear from the “popular vote”nomination so to speak and focus on restructuring their business, their brand, and their focus on marketing.
Yahoo apparently become attracted to Bing when MSN changed their “image” to Bing, Yahoo decided to “flirt” with Bing and pass notes to each other during SEO class. I remember my days in high school when I was shy to meet a girl and ask her out, so I would play chicken and pass her a love note! Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, this technique never worked for me, so as you can probably tell I wasn’t the one with the most dates or any dates for that matter.
Today we are in the 21st century and anything is possible. I am several years older now along with being married, so I obviously cannot try that technique again, unless I want to have my wife stop feeding my face at night along with throw me out on the street. If other people want to try this technique, then by all means, hey knock yourself out!
This merger of harmony is just a sign of things to come! I have always believed that “what goes up, must come down.” Google has managed to become the “big dog” on the market, and I believe that Google will eventually “crumble” under the weight of fortune and fame thus Yahoo will be there to grab the baton and win the race.
Time will tell the tale! Ladies and gentleman, welcome to “Binghoo!”
Twitter Makes Congressional History – Your Tweets Remembered
As a leader and innovator of technology in both the public and private sectors I am personally amazed at how far we have come with the advances in technology. With the concept of social networking on the rise, it is now much easier to share information among your friends, family, and followers. This really became evident when Twitter burst onto the scene and become a huge success. Twitter made history when it first arrived on the scene with its innovative messaging technology concept which grew in popularity. Twitter has made history yet again recently, this time, congressional history!
Last week various news networks reported that the tweets that you create on Twitter are now being archived in the Library of Congress. Tweets that are made from profiles on Twitter that are set to “public” status will now be archived. Despite this historical announcement, freedom of speech on Twitter has now come at a cost, that cost is “your privacy.”
Archival of tweets from twitter public profiles has some privacy experts and organizations concerned. Within the world of computing where information is delivered within a fast-paced environment in real-time, someone can see your tweets immediately after they are posted. I have seen people lose their jobs and tarnish their careers over what they posted on their Internet social network profiles.
The video below provides more information on this historic event. This news event today also teaches us a very important lesson:
What you say can and will be used against you!
Watch yourself out there on the internet and “Tweet Safely!”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9DD5He_D94[/youtube]
First Amendment Right Costs $300 in Philadelphia
Over the last decade I have come to the realization that “Freedom in America is not Free.” Ever since 9/11, the rights and privileges of American citizens have come under scrutiny from the government. There is no sense of privacy anymore and government leaders believe that increased federal regulation provisions are the answer to issues plaguing the government and its people.
If you believe that government intervention into the problems facing America today is the correct and only solution, then, I completely respect your opinion on this matter. I personally believe that government intervention is leading to the “suspension and/or removal” of our rights and freedoms and civil liberties. America was built on the concept of “free enterprise.” America is a country that was created “by the people,” and “for the people.” Allowing the government to intervene on certain matters certainly violates this concept. Just ask the residents of Philadelphia who’s favorite past-time or business function involves going on the internet and creating and maintaining a blog.
Philadelphia bloggers got a surprise in their mail recently when their city government asked them to purchase a “business privilege license” at the price of $300 dollars. While it is required that all Pennsylvania business owners file for ownership right to their business with the Pennsylvania Department of State, what about those folks who blog for fun and without any intention of monetary gain? That is a question one fellow blogger Marylin Bess had to answer.
“The real kick in the pants is that I don’t even have a full-time job, so for the city to tell me to pony up $300 for a business privilege license, pay wage tax, business privilege tax, net profits tax on a handful of money is outrageous,” Bess says.
Bloggers would also have to find the money to hire their own accountants. This, my friends is the perfect way to end a dream and destroy what fun we have as American citizens as a result of government intervention. Perhaps this is a way for struggling cities to recoup funds from mismanaged governmental budget operations which put our country into the debt that it has in the first place. Don’t blame the American people for government mistakes, take responsibility and blame yourself Uncle Sam!
Best Things Come in Small Packages
Throughout my childhood my mother always told me that the best things come in small packages. As I grew older I realized that my mother was referring to the blessings of having a child and childhood memories. While this belief may be common sense, there is no doubt the having children and raising them plays a critical role in defining family values and a family legacy. As a married man, my wife and I realized that it is not possible for us to have children. While we personally cannot have children, we have both nieces and nephews that we can help raise and participate in the creation of childhood memories. While every child has skills and talents that help create such memories, every so often there is always one child that completely inspires everyone he/she meets.
Ladies and gentleman, meet Jackie Evancho. Jackie is a 10 year old native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania who recently appeared on the popular reality talent show known as America’s Got Talent. In the video below, Jackie amazed the audience and the judges with her “incredibly developed” opera singing voice.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFjdr2a7Sz0[/youtube]
With her beautiful flowing pink dress above a soft man-made cloud of smoke, Jackie’s performance symbolized an angel spreading it’s wings and sending a message of peace to the audience and the people tuning in. Talent judge Howie Mandel stated that the goal of the show was really to find that one gem, that one star from a place that they never looked before, well tonight, that gem, that star, was found!
Show judge Piers Morgan provided some humor when he asked Jackie if she was really 30 years old. Jackie replied with such composure and maturity that she was certain she wasn’t 30. Piers indicated that America was going to wake up the next morning going crazy for for a little girl who just sang like an angel. Piers was right on that note, Jackie’s performance has scored over one million views on YouTube, along with earning her trips to the semifinals, Orlando Florida and the Walt Disney World Resorts.
What’s next for Jackie Evancho?
While it is too soon to tell what will happen, it is important to always cherish moments like this. It is also important to be thankful for every opportunity given to you and to make the best of such an opportunity. Win, or lose, Jackie will always have a place in my heart along with being my inspiration. You have my vote and I wish you all the best in all your endeavors!
Thoughtfulness Leads To Business Success
When one is considering about owning or operating a business, there is what I belive to be an incredibly important aspect of business success that one must consider. It is also a factor that is so often missed, or never even thought about. That factor ladies and gentlemen is what I call “The power of thoughfulness via the thank-you letter”
During my time working as a business entrepreneur, I cannot tell you how many other people I have met who operate their business without the focus of customer satisfaction in their minds. It is very important to attract customers as every knows, but how many business owners have taken the time to thank their customers for their purchases? How many business professionals even thank their customers for just visiting their prospective sites. According to a survey conducted by Careerbuilder.com in 2005 entitled “How to Get in the Front Door,” 33% of job applicants actually send thank-you letters. 15% of managers have indicated in the survey that they would not considering hiring someone who did not send in a thank-you letter.
Now I realize that what i stated above applies to job searching and the typical job interview process, but the fact is, sending a thank-you note applies to many more life experiences then just going through the typical job interview process. Thank-you letters can help increase sales volume by giving your customers the peace of mind to know that you are a business owner who cares about them. Thank-you letters can provide for a positive experience when the customer interacts with you, and the products you are offering. Thank you letters can even lead to more referrals. The fact of the matter is that thank-you notes can produce positive results. My friends, never underestimate the power of thoughtfulness. It can really lead you down the path to having a successful business.
Footnotes
“How to Get in the Front Door,” was a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com during the period of May 17 to May 27, 2005. survey responses where collected from over 650 hiring managers. Survey participated were approached via an e-mail invitation, which asked them to participate in a short online survey. The results are statistically accurate to within 3.84 percentage points (19 times out of 20).
Having a Business Builds Relationships
My friends, there are many days working as a business entrepreneur where events occur that I can’t even imagine. In regards to my business experience, the unthinkable always seems to happen. Situations always occur when running a business. Situations can always bring about positive and negative effects to your business. To what effect this situations have on your business is really how you perceive them. Honestly I believe that all situations are good in many respects, and often every situation contains a silver-lining. Like I said before, how the situation personally impacts you is all a matter of perception. It is that perception that has influence on how you make decisions and proceed forward down your career path as a business entrepreneur. Let me tell you a story to help put this topic in perspective.
In a welcome message to my readers, written on May 25, 2009, I stated the purpose of this blog. The article can recalled by visiting the “Meet Michael Augustine” section of this blog. I indicated that I have created this blog to help business entrepreneurs achieve success working their business using the internet. I believe that it is my calling to help others. I created my business Augustine Enterprises for this purpose.
My friends, it is a honor serving you. working my business for many years has lead to many rewarding events that have occurred throughout the life of my business. Recently I just received the surprise of a lifetime.
When building a business or employed by someone else, I firmly believe that success comes from building relationships and not from what you know. I realize this may be a controversial statement to make, but honesty, I have seen unqualified people take positions due to strong relationship building. This is not a matter of opinion, this is fact. As a manager during my years of employment, I have personally interviewed many applicants for many positions. I have declined many job seekers desiring employment or advancement to a new more challenging position due to their qualifications not meeting the requirements laid forth by the job description. My choice to decline such applicants was overturned by upper management for various personal reasons such as, the applicant’s “blood” relationship to the boss, or the outstanding nightly social skills of the applicant at the local bar or pub. My friends, as I said, it is not about what you know it is who you know.
Shortly after putting up this blog and writing a post. I received a comment from a high school sweetheart from years back. It was a shock to me, because i always believed that after failed relationships like this one, we both went our separate ways never to communicate again. She had been searching for me for many years with no success. She tried to find my address, phone number etc., with hopes of reconnecting. Recently she turned to Google. With one search on my name “Michael Augustine,” she came across this blog. It was as simple as that.
My friends, we had a incredible reunion, she found me to tell me the incredible difference I have made in her life, and to take my business and continue the trend to serve as many as possible. Through the power of the internet and business marketing, I was able to rebuild a tarnished relationship, and turn it into a powerful entity to empower my business to the next level. Our reunion also gave me the strength to keep moving forward and serve as many people as I can, helping them acheive success.
Never underestimate the power of “relationship building”. Having a business and marketing online can be very rewarding as I previously mentioned. Microsoft said it best with their slogon, “Where Do You Want To Go Today?” If your thinking about running a business I encourage you to do so. Even in the troubling enconomy, businesses can still have success such as my business. All it took was learning to harness the power of a Google search along with having a good search to help me acquire customers. This can happen to you! Having a business and building relationships have opened the door to other opportunites and dreams that I never thought I could make reality. All due to the power of relationship building!!