Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing a website for better visibility in search engine results. This requires careful keyword research, strategic link building, and content optimization. An SEO firm will closely monitor Google’s algorithm and the SEO industry so that a website is kept in compliance with Google’s ever-changing guidelines. In some cases, however, websites are penalized for violation of those guidelines – which is why it’s important to work with a firm that can help ensure that a website doesn’t get penalized by Google.
Penalties Assessed by Google
Google is constantly evolving, and as such, its penalties evolve as well. It’s important to be aware of Google’s penalties in order to ensure your website’s rankings and visibility don’t take a hit. Common penalties given by Google include manual action penalties, algorithm penalties, and penalties for suspicious activity.
Manual Action Penalties
Manual action penalties are penalties that are directly issued by Google’s team. The team has the power to delist a website from the Google index if it finds that a website is violating the Webmaster Guidelines. Common penalties that can occur include broad core algorithm updates, black hats SEO techniques, and link scheme violations.
Algorithm Penalties
Algorithm penalties generally arise when Google’s search algorithm finds that a website has violated its guidelines. Common penalties include Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird.
Panda Punishments
Panda Punishments are penalties that are given when a website is found to be of low quality or has duplicate content. Websites that are penalized by Panda can expect reduced rankings on the Google search engine results page (SERP).
Penguin Penalties
Penguin penalties are penalties assessed to websites that violate Google’s guidelines for link building. Websites that have too many unnatural links, or use manipulative link-building tactics can be penalized by Penguin.
Hummingbird Penalties
Hummingbird penalties are penalties that are assessed to websites that have content that does not match the search query. Content needs to be relevant in order to rank for a particular query, and if Google finds that the content is not relevant then the website may be penalized.
Google has also begun to penalize sites for duplicate content. A site that hosts duplicate content will be deemed as having low-quality content, and as such, penalized through decreased rankings.
Penalties for Suspicious Activity
Google has also begun cracking down on suspicious activity. This includes hacking and spam tactics, such as spammy content, keyword stuffing, and other forms of manipulation. Websites that engage in these activities can expect hefty penalties.
How Does an SEO Firm Ensure That My Website Doesn’t Get Penalized?
An SEO firm will keep a close eye on Google’s algorithm and the SEO industry as a whole. This allows them to make sure that a website is kept in compliance with Google’s ever-changing guidelines. The SEO firm will monitor manual action penalties and algorithm penalties, in addition to penalties for suspicious activity in order to ensure that the website does not get penalized.
An SEO firm will also provide content optimization services, which can help improve a website’s content and ensure that it is relevant to the relevant query. They will also provide link-building and other related services to ensure a website does not violate Google’s link-building guidelines.
When working with an SEO firm, it’s important to make sure that the firm is one that keeps a close eye on Google and the SEO industry. This will ensure that your website is kept in compliance with Google’s ever-changing guidelines and that it is not penalized as a result of violating those guidelines. An SEO firm will also provide content optimization, link building, and other services that can help ensure that a website does not violate Google’s guidelines and get penalized as a result.
