Google Algorithm Update: July 2021 Link Spam Update

by Barrownz Group SEO Company- Web Designing, SEO, SMO Company

Before we get into the intricacies of what the new algorithm update is, the technicalities of everything, let us first understand what an ‘algorithm’ is. An algorithm is particularly followed by a computer. Having a predetermined set of regulations for a device that cannot think on its own, can exponentially make our work a lot easier, and also ensure that you can trust the device into not committing mistakes.

Every activity of a basic operating system is defined by its algorithms. Likewise, Google, a multinational technology search engine that largely focuses on internet-related services and products is also governed by a developed algorithm.

Larry Page and Sergey Brin were the original developers of the Google algorithm, which subsequently led to the founding of Google. So what is a ‘Google algorithm?’. Simply said, it is a change made to Google's search engine in order to improve the quality, relevance, and overall user experience of its search results.

Services in Today's Digital Marketing

1. Pay per Click ( PPC )

PPC advertising refers to the sponsored result on the top or side of a search engine results page that grabs the attention of the user. These ads charge you on a per click basis and they can be made to appear when certain search terms known as Keywords are entered, so your advertisement is being targeted to different types of audiences who are seeking something in particular. PPC ads are extremely effective because they rely on data taken from individuals’ online behavior and are used to increase website traffic through delivery of relevant ads to the right person and also at the right time.

2. Search Engine Optimization ( SEO )

Search engine optimization is a process of optimizing your content, doing a technical setup to increase reach of your website. It takes place to make your pages appear at the top of a search engine result for a specified keywords. Application of SEO can drive visitors to your webpage when users display behavior implying that they are searching for relevant products that match your business product category. It is a game changer considering that 90% of people searching do not form an opinion about the brand in the early stage. While PPC and retargeting works at their own pace, organic online traffic earned through SEO creates enormous influence on search rankings. By using specific keywords and phrases, you can use SEO to increase your online visibility and begin to establish a long lasting relationship with customers. SEO is an ideal method to increase a the of your website in online search results, and thus its organic site traffic, by using trending and most used keywords and phrases. Well researched SEO strategies have the potential to influence a great amount of users because online visibility can be the first step for a brand to build a loyal and long lasting customer base.

How does this algorithm typically function?

The Google algorithm, called PageRank, describes a method of classifying sites as low quality by ranking the links. Google ranking systems sort through many different web pages in search of different indexes to find the most accurate, relevant and appropriate result in about a fraction of a second. They then proceed to present the results, aptly to match what the customer is looking for.

The Google Algorithm uses different keywords, typed in by people searching for something specific and then it determines the page rankings. Search Engine Optimization is essentially the best way to convey the fact to Google, that a particular website is about a particular topic. For example, Barrownz.com focuses on technological assertions and other typical aspects revolving around.

When compared to the new Google Algorithm update, there is a fine parallel between SEO related performances. The Google Link Spam Algorithm update, rolled out on July 26, 2021. The new update basically makes the algorithm more effective at identifying and nullifying link spam.

Google’s recent announcement in relation to the new update stemmed emphasis on targeting links from sponsored, guest and affiliate content.Their latest announcement, in particular, matriculates as a casual reminder to mark affiliate content with the relevant real values.This is clearly an evident indication that Google wants various site owners to pay concrete attention to their advice on how and why to handle links within content, particularly when there is an exchange of value manifesting . Site owners are reminded by Google to qualify links, adequately and appropriately when linking out to other sites.

When there is a value exchange between two domains, sites are required by a compulsion to add tags to various links Google singles out affiliate links, sponsored and guest content links.

The following are a generic examples, most frequently screened by Google:

Affiliate links:

Google asks sites participating in affiliate programs to qualify these links with rel=“sponsored”, regardless of whether these links were created manually or dynamically.

Links from sponsored posts:

Links that are advertisements or paid placements (commonly called paid links) are to be marked up with the rel=“sponsored” value.

Links from guest posts:

Links from guest posts are to be marked up with the rel=“nofollow” value.

Let's Go More Deep

Today, web creators have a limitless number of ways to monetize their websites, blogs, etc. Sometimes, it becomes a case of violating Google’s quality guidelines, particularly when some of these methods of monetization lead to the creation of outbound links (which are further overdone and not annotated appropriately).

As long as they’re well deserved and within limits, links are one of the easiest ways for Google to understand what type of content may be helpful and of use to customers, as well as being a better opportunity for sites to receive as well. An easy and simple practice is to directly avoid methods of acquiring links that violate Google’s guidelines against their various link schemes.

Always make sure to qualify the links appropriately, especially when one is linking out to other sites. When you see affiliate links on pages such as product reviews or guides, be sure to note that this is a common way for blogs and publishers to monetize their traffic. Generally, using affiliate links to monetize a website is accepted by Google.

Google is constantly working to improve ranking for product-related searches, reward high-quality content. In this process, there are clear guidelines given by Google, that finding any site failing to qualify affiliate links appropriately will be reprimanded, and issues manual actions to prevent these links from affecting Search. Further Google’s systems might also take algorithmic actions. It is important to note that both manual and algorithmic actions may affect how one views a site on Search. Therefore any repercussion in either format might not be beneficial. Thus it is better to avoid activities that may cause actions, whenever possible.

A furthermore ordinary way, regular sites tend to monetize their work is by accepting sponsored and/or guest posts from various other sites. In such cases, articles are written by or in the name of one website, but they are published on a different website.

Google has noticed that low quality sponsored and guest posts are primarily motivated to gain more links. While google has overcome this problem and they are significantly better at detecting and nullifying such link schemes, it is always better for site owners to apply appropriate rel values to the links.Owing to Google’s constant improvements in its ranking and spam detection systems, the effectiveness and ability of link spam has greatly reduced over the past two decades. Google also sincerely thanks all the large majority of sites that follow their guidelines, and mainly focus on building websites with great user experience and also providing high-quality content.

“In our continued efforts to improve the quality of the search results, we're launching a new link spam fighting change today — which we call the "link spam update." This algorithm update, which will rollout across the next two weeks, is even more effective at identifying and nullifying link spam more broadly, across multiple languages. Sites taking part in link spam will see changes in Search as those links are re-assessed by our algorithms.”

Google’s statement of the same.

Source: Google Search Central

The page experience signals of Google now include:

- Core Web Vitals

- HTTPS

- Mobile-Friendliness

Intrusive Interstitial Guidelines

Above mentioned signals play a great importance in deciding website's rankings. The page experience factor will be critical for search results that have multiple sites providing relevant information. Starting now, Google’s algorithm will evaluate the page experience signal and rank higher pages that have better user experience.

The explanation says Google has been finding more and more websites using outbound links as a means to monetize their website. Overall, the new Google Algorithm update seems to benefit the multinational, while also ensuring to attest to the needs of the customers as well. Getting updates of Google algorithm is very beneficial because it is needed everywhere today. From digital marketing to search engine optimization, from creative advertising to pay per click adds, if you are unaware of Google algorithm, then all your efforts will go in vain.

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