The first predicted update for Google in 2016 is the Penguin 4.0 update, if you have a website, you need to be ready.
The Google Penguin algorithm was first launched in April 2012 to penalise websites deemed to be cheating search results with dodgy link building tactics.
The good news is that with the release of a new update, any sites that have been previously punished can now regain some of their rankings with positive action. The bad news is that sites not previously penalised may face a penalty.
Penguin 4.0 has an added feature – it’s going to operate in real time. This means that as soon as Google discovers new links to your site, whether good or bad, the algorithm will analyse those links and your rankings could change in almost real time.
With Penguin 4.0 looming around the corner, here are 3 things to consider when building links.
1.Watch out for over aggressive Anchor Text
Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink. In years gone by, the most optimal method was to stuff this text with keywords – however this is no longer the case. Try that method in 2016 and Penguin is going to slap you with a large penalty. Instead make your anchor text look more natural, use your important keywords less and go for the natural flow over the super optimisation.
2.Remove or Disavow Bad Links To Your Site
You should be aware by now that Google is not a fan of spammy backlinks. If you know you have some, or happen to notice any during a link review, do your best to remove these. Unfortunately removing a link can be quite a painful experience, but don’t fret – if you’re unable to get anywhere with this you can send a list of links to Google and request they ignore them when they scan your site – this method is known as “Disavow”.
3.When Building Links, Use Similar Niche Sites
This might seem like common sense, but when building new links, make sure you use sites that fill the same or similar area to the one you occupy. When Google is scanning links and assessing penalties, link quality, trust and relevance is key. You need to work to attract links from recognised, authoritative domains within the same niche/industry.
If you would like to get more information on how Penguin might affect your site this year, or any further information on getting your site found in Google searches, simply visit www.total-seo.co.uk and request a free review of your site.
