Google changes its search algorithm on a frequent basis-six hundred times in a year. Some of these changes have minimal effects that should not prompt a firm to change its SEO efforts. Other changes affect search marketers to the point that they need to re-strategize. One such update is Fred.
Google unleashed its 1st version of “Google Panda” on February 2011. The aim of Google Panda was to penalize websites that created low-value content that did not help users. Fred is aimed at punishing websites in the same manner but with some additional factors. Websites that focus on generating revenue will be the most affected. These websites had significant drops in traffic of between 50-90 % on search engine results.
Google did not disclose what the update would be for, however, it did mention that it was meant for websites engaging in unfavorable SEO techniques. These methods include low-quality content, filling your website with advertisements, and being involved in affiliate programs without giving adequate information.
Low-Quality Content
Posting low quality content is a sure way of ranking poorly in search engines. Google classifies low quality content as any content that is drafted with the intention of improving one’s ranking as opposed to appealing to one’s readers.
Some typical examples of poor quality content include content that uses keyword stuffing, where a page is full of keywords targeting certain queries to the extent that the information is unreadable or nonsensical. Doorway pages are another example of poor quality content. These pages are created with the aim of ranking high on search queries. Another example is thin content. Short, vague, and refurbished content is regarded as poor quality.
Advertisement Heavy
Fred is different from other Google algorithms in that it targets websites that are full of advertisements. These websites are designed solely for revenue generation. Sistrix performed a study where they found websites that had multiple advertisements were affected by Fred.
Affiliate Programs
When you are involved in an affiliate program, you become a third-party vendor. This means you will list sales, deals or offers on your website on behalf of other businesses. Although there is nothing wrong with engaging in affiliate programs, the problem is the reputation of the businesses giving these offers.
For example, there is a website known as “The Points Guy” which offers affiliate travel deals. The main difference between what they offer and what other programs offer is that they only provide educational and original information. Many websites post those deals on their blogs without additional information and hoping that someone will make a purchase so that the website can get its commission. The goal of these websites is the generation of revenue.
If your practice has suffered the devastating effects of low quality penalization from Google Fred, you can improve your content through posting highly researched posts. Also, get rid of unnecessary keywords and ensure you abide by Google’s guidelines. If you need help with living up to the standards of the Fred algorithm, consult Market My Market to make your website comply.