Google Changes Algorithm to Fight Spam
With the huge popularity of Blogs, it was only a matter of time before spammers realized that they could exploit Blogs by turning them into spam farms. The ability of Blog users to add a link in the comments section is what has ultimately caused increasing problems for search engines. Spammers using programs, or even going in by hand, can enter in text links to their porn, pills, casino, or you name it" websites.
(PRWEB) February 1, 2005 -- Googles algorithm relies partly on the link popularity and link reputation of a website. Spammers have been known to increase their search engine rankings by inserting their link on every Blog they can find. The result is that these spammers are artificially inflating their search engine ranking using illegal and unethical techniques.
Sometimes this spammer activity gets caught by search engine robots looking for such actions. When this happens, the website usually gets blacklisted, or falls out of the index. However Blog spamming activity often goes unnoticed, or, if the spammer gets caught, they simply design a similar website with a different URL. Google is not happy with the artificial increases in ranking that these spammers get, because it can bring non-relevant search engine results.
To fight back, Goggle has implemented a new tag that enables anyone who has a Web site to make a link not count" in the Google algorithm ranking calculation. Google has recently stated, From now on, when Google sees the attribute (rel="nofollow") on hyperlinks, those links wont get any credit when we rank websites in our search results." What does this mean for individual Bloggers who are not spamming, but want to link to their website?
Once the rel="nofollow" tag has been implemented on a Blog, all outgoing links will not be counted for ranking purposes by Google. Even if a Blog owner is not spamming the search engines, they will not gain any credit toward a higher ranking. They will have a working link that may bring traffic to their Web site, but from a link popularity standpoint they will be out of luck.
Already many Blog software developers are starting to implement these new tags. Companies such as Live Journal, Blogger, Blosxom, and MSN Spaces have joined this new trend. Google also states that both MSN Search and Yahoo! will start utilizing this tag.
The adherence by search engines to linking standards is a big step against spam. Watch for a big ranking changes in the next few months, as more websites continue to implement this attribute. As websites fall from search engines rankings it will become evident which sites were using these media sources as a way to increase their rankings.
How will these developments affect the publics participation in Blogs and forums? It is evident that many of the quality comments found in these spaces are from people who can appreciate the link popularity gained for adding their comment. If all Blogs and forums began implementing no follow" tags, it is quite possible that participation level would drop markedly. It is also possible that companies exchanging links may unscrupulously put the no follow" tag in their link to prevent the exchanging website from getting any credit.
Search engine marketing firms that are not adept at identifying these attributes will find themselves at a significant disadvantage. Such firms may be getting reciprocal or one-way links for their clients that will never count toward higher rankings.
Search engine ranking algorithms are in a continual state of flux, as are the playing fields for search engine marketing and optimization firms. This is yet another reason why it is important to choose an SEO company with great care. Titan SEO ( http://www.titan-seo.com ) is constantly analyzing trends in the search market to ensure that its clients stay significantly ahead of the competition.
About Titan SEO
Titan SEO is a search engine marketing firm specializing in search engine optimization and internet marketing. Titan SEO continually monitors search engine developments to ensure their clients success. To learn more about our solutions and our SEO company, visit our website at http://www.Titan-SEO.com.
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