Editor’s Note
For the latest information on the Google Panda algorithm, refer to comprehensive guides on the topic.
I completely understand why people have focused on Panda. It represented a significant shift in the Google algorithm, more impactful on traffic than Google Instant or any recent updates.
More importantly, there were many innocent victims. Having worked with some of them, I can attest to how unfairly Panda affected them.
However, since that time, the world of SEO has used “Panda” as a buzzword to get more attention to any news story related to algorithm updates.
The “Next Big Update”
As an example, reports have surfaced that “Panda 2.2 is on its way.” This information stems from a chain of hearsay.
Assuming the report is accurate, Panda 2.2 involves tweaks to the Google algorithm focusing on spam. The confirmation came from an interview with Matt Cutts at SMX Advance by Danny Sullivan.
Here’s the exchange:
Danny Sullivan: Where are we now? Panda 2, Panda 2.1? Are we at Panda 2.2?
Matt Cutts: There’s another change coming soon. I don’t know when we’ll launch fully internationally, not just in English.
So, the actual translation is: Google is continuing to make changes and tweaks to the Panda update. This is expected since Google updates its algorithm more than once per day on average.
It’s not surprising that updates continue. It’s not news that new releases will help sites unfairly damaged.
However, people heard: “Google is coming out with another Panda update that will be world-shattering and/or world-saving, and I really need to keep my eyes on this!”
Not so, my SEO compatriots. This is just business as usual.
There are no groundbreaking alterations to speak of, even though the word “Panda” was mentioned.
When Cutts talks about Google, he discusses ongoing iterations, not about introducing a new Panda.
Actually Relevant Upcoming Updates
There has been an over-focus on the term Panda as a scare tactic.
However, the update and the interview did include useful information. Here are a few relevant points on what Google is working on and the general trajectory for algorithm updates:
- One major problem not addressed by Panda is “scraper sites,” which pull content from elsewhere and outrank the original. Cutts assured they are working on this.
- Cutts confirmed there haven’t been any manual exceptions: “We haven’t made any manual exceptions.” So, stop saying they have and stop asking for it.
- Google is looking for more signals to differentiate thin sites from quality ones, which primarily affects sites in minor to moderate ways.
- Site usability is not a factor in Panda; exactly what this means isn’t clear yet.
Site Survival Tips for a Post-Panda World
In earlier discussions, ways to achieve success in the post-Panda world were covered. Here are key points to consider for building a Panda-friendly site:
Thing to Consider #1
Don’t expect Google to change in your favor. Assume any damage to your site is due to something you did wrong or something Google perceives as wrong.
For example, a site with duplicate content on several pages might flag you for being a thin site.
Thing to Consider #2
Google is always improving its evaluation of high-quality sites. If your site is truly high quality and free of thin flags, future algorithm iterations should benefit your site.
Quick Tips:
- Check for spam flags, including:
- Duplicate content within your site.
- Overuse of keywords.
- Poor grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Missing meta titles and descriptions.
- Duplicate content from off-site sources.
- Poor user performance metrics (time on site, bounce rate, etc.).
- High "ad to content" ratio.
- If you’re being scraped, use the new “authorship” markup language from Google.
- Follow standard SEO rules. Quality links, content, user experience, and visibility in social spaces remain important.
- Social elements are increasingly important. Ensure you have Facebook Like, Twitter Share, and Google +1 buttons on your page.
So there you have it. The world of Panda is not one to obsess over. It’s an integral part of the system, and every iteration now involves fine-tuning.
Don’t panic when you hear about Panda updates. The changes will not be as extreme as the initial update.
Take standard precautions, focus on user experience, improve site quality, and engage in smart SEO practices, and you’ll thrive.
