Matt Cutts Reveals Impact Of Google Updates

Exact Domain Name Update Takes Effect

In a recent Google update the search engine weighting given to exact match domain names was reduced. This algorithm alteration has had some impact on websites with names such as championroofing.com and personalijuryattorneychicago.com. However, Matt Cutts said, ‘New exact-match domain (EMD) algo affects 0.6% of English-US queries to a noticeable degree. Unrelated to Panda/Penguin.’

The update was primarily targeted at those websites that have adopted spammy SEO policies and produced poor quality content. Yet there have been a number of complaints by webmasters who claim that they’ve been following Google’s guidelines. They may see a drop in traffic and conversions in the time that it takes for the search engine to deal with lodged appeals.

Content Is Key According To Recent Reports

The online marketing professionals at Search Engine Watch, Conductor and eConsultancy have produced reports revealing the concerns of those engaged in website promotion. The key findings are as follows:

• Algorithm updates and budget restraints are the main concerns for 18% of online marketers
• Almost 90% of web experts claim that recent updates made by the search engines have had an impact upon overall business performance
• 74% of online marketers say that their companies are looking to publish quality content
• Only 38% of web based businesses have a developed a publishing strategy

This evidence would seem to suggest that efforts made by Google and the other search engines are having an impact on the quality of the online environment. This may be seen as good news for consumers. However, it does mean that online businesses are going to have to continue raising their game in order to succeed.

Google Penguin Refreshed

The Google Penguin algorithm has caused something of a flap in the online community since it’s initial release in April this year. Worries about decreased rankings emerged once more as Matt Cutts announced that the Penguin was to be refreshed again at the beginning of October. However, the Google CEO attempted to put people’s minds at rest by saying that it would only have an impact upon ‘0.3% of English queries.’

One online marketing expert said that ‘While Matt Cutts has been at pains to point out that this latest Penguin change will probably go unnoticed by many, past experience means that this is unlikely to stop site owners from fretting. Of course, with the right SEO strategy, the likelihood is that sites will not be hit.’