The days of content farms and low quality websites are coming to an end, thanks to a Google algorithm update known as Panda. It’s important to have a good understanding of Google Panda to ensure your website is not in danger of falling under Panda’s wrath.
The Origins of Panda
One of google’s employees named Navneet Panda was interested in improving the machine learning algorithms that computer scientists and programmers use to solve problems. His hard work helped produce a more sophisticated learning algorithm, able to crunch large inputs and outputs of data.
So What Does Panda Do?
Google Panda is based on the metrics from a group of people reviewing websites for quality. These reviewers, also known as “quality raters” would inform Google of the items they found positive on good websites as well as the negative items on bad websites. The accumulated data would then be crunched & analyzed by the machine learning algorithm so it can mimic the quality raters. Firms that offer SEO services may have additional feedback or research to share.
What Makes Panda Mad
- Panda is not a fan of sites that are skimpy on content. Websites like these usually have a low quantity of content above the fold. And don’t even think about adding pages just so you can post links? Get rid of them or add content.
- Similar or Duplicate Content is a big “no-no”. Every page on your website should have unique content, and focusing on a specific topic. Don’t try to outsmart Google Panda by slightly modifying keywords and content- this algorithm is very smart and tenacious.
In short, Google Panda and its recent updates are less about onpage optimization and more about quality and experience. Your website should be a place where viewers can obtain valuable information in a user-friendly manner. You should always be asking “is my website useful and enjoyable”. Take the time to understand these concepts, because if you don’t, an unhappy Mr. Panda will be knocking on your homepage.
