If you distributed optimized press releases with keywords in the anchor text – or if you guest blogged with links back to your site – you might want to rethink these online marketing tactics.
Two months ago Google ratcheted up its scrutiny of external links coming into sites in its algorithm release called Google Penguin 2.0. Google Penguin 1.0 came out in 2012 and was the start of Google placing less value on links coming into websites, especially if the links appeared to be spammy and come from “bad” or low quality websites.
In May 2013, Google Penguin 2.0 affected many more sites and focuses on those sites that have a higher quantity of spammy links used, not only in links to your home page, but also to links going to other pages on your website. Because of Google’s new algorithm, you should clean up any questionable links and add the nofollow attribute to links to your site from press releases and guest blog posts. The nofollow attribute should be used for any paid links – find out more from Google’s Link Schemes page for Webmasters.
That being said, what DOES work now for SEO (search engine optimization)? It’s no longer the behind the scenes tricks, but SMO, or social media optimization – having great content that people love, share, and comment on. So, for the foreseeable future (or until the next algorithm change) it’s time to add valuable content to your website and social media profiles. Blogs, videos, articles, eBooks, whitepapers, podcasts, and more!
I found these articles helpful in understanding the recent effects of Google Penguin 2.0:
Guest Blogging For Links? You Better Nofollow Those Links (Search Engine Land)
Links In Press Releases Should Use Nofollow Like Paid Links (Search Engine Land)
Google Penguin 2.0 Casualties: Why Sites Got Hit (Search Engine Watch)
If you need help with your content marketing strategy or execution, contact New Incite today. We provide outsource marketing services to drive leads and revenue growth for our clients.
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