A Guide to the Google Penguin Update
It was way back in April 2012 when Google first unveiled Penguin with efforts of catching websites that are deemed to spam its search results. This is in particular to those that buy links or get them via link networks that are mainly designed to boost rankings in Google. But few years had passed and several updates were done to Penguin and now come the newest update which is Penguin 4.0, announced on September 23. A number of SEO experts have agreed that this update is a major boon for SEO companies that perform legitimate SEO strategies.
And there are a number of reasons to why the new Penguin update makes many so excited like the following:
Number 1. Algorithm devalues links instead of punishing websites – with new Penguin version, it devalues spam links rather than penalizing the entire website. Penguin was punitive in nature when it was first launched. What is meant by this is, if your page was affected, then you may expect that the entire site would be demoted in search without having clear instruction or explanation to how it can be recovered.
Penguin’s harshness along with misinformation that surrounds the algorithm at the same time, this causes contentious relationships and negative environment between Google and various business owners. But with new Penguin 4.0 and its demotion versus devalue approach, it is a big upgrade and aim to improve relationship between website owners and Google.
Number 2. Penguin is baked to core algorithm of Google – because of this, it has become possible for Google to deliver real-time update. Having said that, Penguin’s data is refreshed in real time, which makes changes become visible and faster that usually take effect shortly after a site is re-index and re-crawl. With the update to Penguin, Google are in the better position of assessing links quickly. Meaning, there’s no waiting time for Penguin updates or refreshes just to recover.
Number 3. Penguin 4.0 brings SEO closer to real marketing – it provided immediate rewards for legitimate practices as spam is devalued a lot more efficiently, thanks to the improvements made to Penguin update. Through this shift, it has pushed SEO industry away from manipulation and towards real strategies. Obviously, many of well respected and successful SEOs are involved in doing real marketing. On the other hand, there are some shady companies and individuals that are claiming to be SEOs while what they do is only providing spammy services.
New Penguin update provide greater gains for those who secure links legitimately as this presents a big challenge for unscrupulous agencies as websites that are propped to be spam would be devalued.
Source: more info here