Just when you think that search engine giant Google has gone easy in its efforts to further sharpen its service, think again.
So, what does that actually mean? How will we be affected by this new (although largely expected) development? Here’s a breakdown of what Google Panda is.
What is Panda 4.0?
Let’s start by ignoring the 4.0 first and zeroing in on “Google Panda”. Panda is a series of updates in Google’s search engine algorithm. Your next question may be, why does Google have these algorithm updates?
Simply put, these updates are creates for inferior and low-quality websites to be identified and weeded out. By doing so, Google ensures its users that the results they present to them when they use the service to search for information are top notch.
With improved algorithms, a user can type anything on Google and Google would present websites that satisfy his or her their needs – meaning no websites that contain useless information, those that provide passé data – in other words, SPAM websites.
Thus, with everything considered, the purpose of the rolling out of these algorithm updates (which has, in recent years, been named after animals – Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird) is for Google to improve the search results it provides its users, leaving on websites with high quality and legitimacy to achieve top ranking.
Now, let’s notice ‘4.0’ again. This means that Panda 4.0 is already the fourth version of the Panda update, which still aims at handing out harsher penalties to websites with substandard content.
There have already been other algorithm updates, particularly the Hummingbird, which was introduced only last year. What makes Panda 4.0 special?
Indeed, people might think that since this is already Panda’s fourth trip to the rodeo, it wouldn’t really have that much of an impact. However, what’s interesting to note is that the update launch on May 20 was in tandem with the update on another algorithm, Payday Loan (making it Payday Loan 2.0), which closes in on “very spammy inquiries”. The impact of these simultaneous updates may still be too early to call, but what is sure is that the double updates are affecting websites big time.
What websites have been suffering so far?
According to initial observations, the most noticeable losers are Examiner.com, Health.com, Ask.com, and Starpulse.com. But perhaps the most notable is eBay, which in 2 days, has allegedly already lost 80% of its original rankings.
With some of the world’s biggest websites affected, will small businesses’ sites survive?
We need to remember that Panda 4.0 is currently on its rollout stage, which means that its effect on smaller websites is still uncertain. A number of small business owners have complained of a drop in rankings, while some have actually reported significant improvements in just the first day! On the other hand, there are those who contribute to the webmaster forum of Google claiming that their websites’ rankings have dropped massively, resulting in huge financial losses.
What should be done by small businesses?
As of the moment, there is not a lot to be done yet to control the possible harm of the Panda 4.0 update. The best steps small business owners can do now is to pay close attention to their sites’ financial and web analytics. Major spikes or drops should be taken note of, particularly the time they happen. They should also take it upon themselves to be updated with the latest happenings, because it is expected that more information about the update and how smaller websites are affected should be made public in the course of the month.
