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How changes in Search Engine Algorithms Can Affect YourPage Rank
All search engines, especially Google, perform regularupdates to their algorithms to improve the relevancy of search results. Theseupdates are sometimes relatively minor. However, some changes can causewebsites (even major websites) to drop from their search engine rankings likeflies. Every time a major search algorithm change takes place, SEO specialistand web masters all over the world scramble to achieve or maintain highranking.
For example, in November 2003, Google's infamous ?FloridaUpdate? caused millions of web pages to be dropped from Google's searchresults. Major updates have become the bane of website owners and SEOprofessionals alike; however it has become apparent that updates like these arenecessary to improve the relevancy of search results. Like it or not, continualtweaking is required by both the search engine developers and SEO professionalto continue delivering the relevant results.
Change is important. In the case of search engines, it isrequired. Algorithms cannot remain the same forever. For example, just becauseyou have ranked #1 for a certain keyword for six years doesn't mean that you?own? that ranking. New websites are being developed on a daily basis, some ofwhich may even be better than yours. Google algorithm update gives all playersa chance to compete on level ground.
How can you deal with algorithm updates when it?saffecting your Page Rank? Below are some tips you can follow:
Don't Panic ? getting apprehensive when you see your sitedropping from #1 to #20 is quite normal. But panicking will do no good. A lotof web masters think that they can control any given situation. The fact isthey can't. It's better to let the storm pass before you deal with the problem.Chances are, the sites that are really relevant will re-surface in therankings, unless they have been penalized for using black hat SEO techniques.
Keep the Website Properly Optimized ? keeping the metatag, title, body and other content properly optimized and having a significant external link inventory canhelp your website weather the storm of a major search engine algorithm update.
Refine your Keyword Selection ? some web masters may bethinking, ?Why fix it if it isn't broken?? However, ranking well with a certaingroup of keywords today doesn't necessarily mean that you'll rank well forever.Refine your keyword selection with related terms that searchers type in whenmaking a query.
Patience is Key ? you know that updates are always on thehorizon. Prepare your site for any algorithm changes by sticking with thebasics. Providing fresh content for your site, building backlinks, andestablishing a loyal traffic base will ensure that you'll have atechnically-sound website even when changes occur.