Google updates are an ever present challenge for online marketers. Understanding what they mean, how they affect search results and, more importantly, how to keep your sites ranking well are essential to keep your income flowing and make sure your hard work is producing results. It's important to know where to find the information you need to understand how the new algorithm might affect your niche site rankings.



Since more people use Google than any other search engine, web owners are constantly trying to figure out ways to design their sites to get page one Google rankings. Many tricks have been developed over the years. These include using keyword phrases repetitively within articles, including specific keywords in the website URL and developing massive amounts of backlinks with specific keywords in the anchor text. All of these tricks worked --- until Google caught on.

Over the years Google recognized these tricks and penalized websites that employed them. Why? Because many of these websites were put up quickly, included poor content and were designed strictly to sell products. When you do an online search seeking an answer to a question, is that the type of website you want to be directed to? Of course not. You want the to to referred to a reputable site with good information and no hidden agenda. Over the years such websites have come to be known as "authority sites."

Adding a blog to your website and taking the time to add high quality content to your site on a regular bases is a good way to prepare for Google Search engine updates. Being careful not to purchase low quality links from foreign or questionable sites is also an important part of keeping Googles trust and ratings.

There are a host of well versed online marketers who are willing to share their knowledge of the market. Keeping yourself updated on SEO practices is the best way to make sure you are doing what works to rank now.