Hey there Boosters! It has been almost two months since Penguin 3.0 started rolling out, and it seems like a great time to review this historic update and provide a summary of what has occurred.
Review of the Penguin Algorithm Update:
First, let’s quickly review what the Penguin Algorithm Update is designed to do. Penguin was created to penalize websites with spammy inbound link profiles. Google wants websites with inbound links that have the following attributes, as discussed by Andrew Eagar, our Director of SEO Strategy:
- Genuine: Inbound links should originate from genuine, authentic websites and resources.
- Relevant: Your links should come from websites that are relevant to your industry.
- Authoritative: Your website should receive links from established websites.
- Numerous: This does not just mean a lot of websites, but a lot of quality websites.
- Diverse: Your inbound links should come from a diverse group of websites with a diverse anchor text profile.
What did happen with the latest update, Penguin 3.0?
As you all know, the latest Penguin Update was released Oct. 17, 2014. This was one of the most anticipated updates in the history of Google’s Algorithm. After almost two months, we have gathered some very valuable information that we would like to share with you (pretty nice of us, huh?). First, how did we come about this information?
- Here at Boostability we have a large database of accounts that provides us with a lot of past data. This has allowed us to observe trends for years.Tweet This
- Using this data we have been able to compare campaign trends for each Google Algorithm Update, including all Penguin roll outs.Tweet This
- With our large database of campaigns we have been able to successfully test a variety of SEO strategies that have proved immensely successful for our clients.Tweet This
So what did we actually find out? It is time to tell you.
- First, Penguin 3.0 should be considered an algorithm refresh Tweet This, and not a complete change or overhaul to the algorithm. This means that Google rolled out a smarter version of Penguin 2.1 and that websites can now be rewarded for cleaning up spammy link profiles. It also means that websites who are still creating spammy link profiles will be penalized like websites were back in October 2013.
- This update, or refresh, will continue to roll out over time. We observed another fluctuation on November 27 Tweet This, and later Google confirmed that this was a continuation of the Penguin 3.0 roll out.
- Also, more than ever we have determined that links that come from relevant, established websites that provide content that CONTRIBUTES to the web will help websites perform during a Penguin Update.Tweet This
- Our accounts overall saw an increase in performance with Penguin 3.0 due to the evolution of our SEO strategies.Tweet This
- Accounts that may have been affected by Penguin 2.1 have also seen an improvement in their performance with the current update.
- Lastly, websites who clean up their link profiles will need to wait until the next update to see their results.
The Future of Penguin
In the end, Google wants websites to have natural link profiles and will use the Penguin Update to penalize websites who do not. As we have discussed, websites should gain links from relevant, established sites who contribute valuable, authoritative information to the user. There is no need to fake your way to a great link profile.
Happy Holidays everyone!
