What’s New in 2013 (Google) SEO Updates…

I have not heard or seen any significant changes in this year’s  Google algorithms . Unlike last year where we saw significant changes that dropped  a lot of websites PageRank. They were just banished from the front pages.


Let's recap what did happen last year and how those updates in 2012 really shook up some websites that had enjoyed a prominent  spot on Google’s search engine for so long.

Even though Google’s Panda algorithm was originally released in 2011, it went through numerous updates in 2012 kicking many low quality websites out of their dominant positions on Google; tens of thousands of websites were affected. It also took aim at duplicate content and content that seemed to be stolen from other websites/blogs.

What is the Panda Algorithm:  Panda aimed to lower the rank of “low-quality” websites and return higher-quality sites near the top of the search results. Google Panda was built through an algorithm update that used artificial intelligence. Human quality testers rated thousands of websites based on measures of quality, including design, trustworthiness, speed and whether or not they would return to the website. For more on this topic  click here.


I also found a useful article Google Panda Update Survival guide.

Google released its Penguin Algorithm in 2012. Many more companies that engaged in unfriendly Penguin SEO tactics were dropped from the search entirely and companies that continued to break the rules saw their ranking disappear, often without warning.

What is the Penguin Algorithm;  This updates purpose was to catch sites deemed to be spamming its search results, by buying links or obtaining links through networks designed primarily to boost Google Rankings. This does not include legitimate quality links. It also penalizes websites that have too many ads above the fold.   


For more information on Google Penguin  click here.

So as you can see “Value” is  an important factor – one that will dictate how Google perceives websites.

Looking Forward to 2013

This year the most significant factor for 2013 is creating value for the reader. Google has been very explicit this year about good-quality content. What does that mean?

• Great Information and Resource Richness
• Unique Content and Topics

Google’s  AuthorRank is a new system Google uses to cut down the spam content that litters the Internet.  This system determines the quality content based on the credibility of its author.  AuthorRank is not a replacement for PageRank. It is a separate system that instructs Google PageRank to weigh content more appropriately. To learn more about AuthorRank and how to build your online reputation, I have found a wonderful article click here.

Content marketing is the next big thing that is being talked about. Content marketing attracts back links, and adds value for the reader. Because you have to generate higher-quality  content, circulate it, and make sure your content get published widely through social media, article marketing, etc. this will generate substantial SEO value.

Social Media now plays a big factor in getting valid ranking. As the year goes on and probably for years to come – shares, mentions, re-tweets and most importantly  +1s are trophies all online business needs to cultivate.

Media in general;  video and images are becoming very important on the Internet.  Websites such as Youtube and Pinterest have really given an important element to getting noticed. It is becoming essential to add relevant non-textual media to text content, this adds value and brings visitors to your websites.

Local website information,  has really pumped up my rankings. Applying local SEO enjoys higher rankings and visibility. I have seen it myself when I started using Local Keywords, maps, and reviews on local information sites.

Hopefully, this will help you navigate through 2013 as well as give you a  good refresher  course on what to do to promote your website.  I have also updated my SEO checklist  you can download it for free Click Here.
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Pamela Jacob is the owner of Artista Design. If you need a website developed or redesigned, project manager, consultant or graphic designer - you have found one. Pamela's specialty is taking an idea and making it come to fruition.

If you want to own an online business that thrives, if you have a passion for something you want to share, if you have an idea that you want to come to life contact me. My initial consultations are FREE.

What’s The Focus – SEO in 2009…

Let’s say, you have a strong website that is designed to attract your target customer, fast loading, great navigation an opt-in box to capture people who come to your website – with a really good free report, book, information… You have worked hard and now you are ready to unveil your business masterpiece…

But Wait – Have you optimized your website for the search engines? Have you forgotten that all important step…

The basic foundation of your website is where everything else springs from and Search Engine Optimization is part of that.

There is so much misinformation out on the internet and great information as well – how do you sift through it all??

You may think your website is totally SEO compliant (search engine optimized) but things change from year to year. The basics do stay the same for the most part - but a lot of little things change that can make a BIG difference they need to be looked at and addressed.

Did you know that Google does not use the description Meta tag anymore? Alternatively, that Meta tag keywords in general have lost a lot of the weight, they use to carry?

Does that mean you don’t need Meta tags anymore?

Of course you need them – do you realize that a lot of search engines do use Meta tags! Don’t under estimate the power of yahoo, MSN or any of the specialty search engines out there.

I know everyone wants to be on top of Google. I love Google and all the fantastic tools they have – but don’t overlook all the others.

A customer is a customer is a customer!

There is nothing better than people doing a search and finding you – on any search engine - that would be your target market and therefore your best customer(s).

The point of this article is??

I want you all to take a look at what you can do to refresh or update your website to make it a search engine compliant. You website may be on top now or close – but make no mistake – you must make sure you make these small changes as well because you may find yourself missing (suddenly).

Case in point:

I have been working with a client for the last 2 years (outstanding company).

We rebuilt the website – so that it was totally SEO compliant, fast to load and had a solid foundation. We have for the last year done a lot of linking – advertising – web 2.0 and marketing in general.

Everything is right where it needs to be – do we stop now??

NO – of course not – in fact my customer was a little worried about the economy her industry was/is getting hit hard and even though she is doing well she wants to continue to.

We delved into a lot of different new material – and low and behold found out that a lot more weight is being put on other items on a web page. We thought we had everything covered but, talking with an expert we learned even more about what needed to be done for 2009 so I am passing it on to you…

8 Thing you may not know about SEO 2009

1. Make sure you have a descriptive title – do not duplicate it on any of your pages! Put Keywords in your page title.title 2. Give you pages an H1- html - tag for the main titled sections our your pages. Make sure the visible title on the copy of your pages are keywords. 3. Have a sitemap that is compliant with Google, even if you have a small site. Make sure the links on your sitemap does have keywords for the links – and descriptions. More information on sitemaps – click here 4. Have Google analytics placed on your site (or another good analytics code/software) check out the keywords that you are being found by and use the keywords to develop web pages. 5. Do not use duplicate content on your website – in other words if you have a page on branding – and a page on graphic design make sure they have totally different text/copy on them. 6. Make sure each page has its own set of Meta data – and the copy/text on the page reflects the keywords you are using on that particular page. 7. Just because you have several domain names pointed to your site does not mean Google or any other search engine is picking up the name as keywords to your website. So what will you do with those domain names? You can develop landing pages and apply these domain names but do not duplicate content – from your main site and you may want a different IP Address (that is a hot debate now). 8. Don’t forget to have a robot.txt file placed in your root directory – it invites search engine spiders in to search your files – you can also direct the search engine spiders on what files you do not want them to index (look at).

With the New Year comes excitement and new challenges. I know that this is one will be our best year yet!

If you are a newbie and need me to explain anything that you just don’t understand please shoot me an email – also I am running a special on sitemap development. So if you are interested let me know, and we can talk!

To an amazing 2009!

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design pamela@artistadesign.com (801) 910-4825