In February of 2011, Google unleashed Panda, an updated search algorithm…and it quickly became a revenue-eating monster. Google’s aims with Panda have been somewhat vaguely explained as an attempt to increase the quality of search results by focusing in original content that’s backed up with thoughtful analysis and reputable resources. Many self-employed freelancers are finding that their revenue and page views have taken a severe dive since the Panda update. Is making money with Internet content a self-employment aim of the past?
Carnivorous Panda Takes a Bite Out of Content Sites
Google’s new search algorithm methods are strongly against duplicate content. Sites that produce a lot of material on the same topic, for instance, are finding their target keywords falling on search rankings. Panda searches for original, unique content, something that can be difficult to find on the Internet. As a result, a lot of specialized sites containing thousands of articles are finding their numbers taking a severe hit. And the freelancers who earn revenue from page clicks are starting to suffer as a result. Is there a way to beat the Panda at its own changing game?
Google Panda Recovery
Google may once again change the way it searches for information in the future, but for now the monster search engine is dedicated to its Panda update. Freelancers who earn money through revenue earned from page clicks can’t afford to wait for things to suddenly take an upswing. In the meantime, focus on making changes that help to boost page views and revenue under the new system, and get started on Google Panda recovery:
- Backlinking. Google’s Panda makes judgment calls on the quality of links found within Internet content. It prefers reputable sources, particularly those ending in the .edu domain. Lots of back linking within sites worked in the past, but this is harmful to pages in the present. Strip away links, leaving only a few that show reputable sources for the information that’s being presented.
- Duplicate content. Google Panda doesn’t like duplicate content. Instead of writing many articles on the same topics that use the same keywords, concentrate on writing fewer, more focused articles that have specific angles and in-depth analysis.
Panda also brings a brand-new facet to Google that affects where pages fall in search results: the +1 button. Similar to Facebook’s “like” and Twitter’s “tweet,” the +1 button allows Internet surfers to rank the content they find. Google remembers their preferences, and will offer personalized search results to produce pages more to the user’s taste. Clearly, this could have a big effect on how many searchers freelancers manage to tempt with their words if the button becomes popular.
KC Morgan - KC Morgan has been the featured writer in Self-Employment since 2006, using personal experience to create guides to being self-employed.
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