Search engine optimization (SEO) just ain’t what it used to be. Between Panda and Penguin, the pathway to top SERPs is long, involved, and there’s no such thing as an SEO shortcut anymore.
Today’s SEO is all about the end-user experience. Google overlords like Matt Cutts have made it very clear that low-quality content and links are no longer a viable SEO strategy.
So what does it take to thrive in this environment? Don Pathak, a Search Engine Journal contributor, answered that question in a recent posting title, Important SEO Habits to Adopt for Post Panda-Penguin Era Survival.
Here’s a few of his top tips. (Spoiler alert: Be prepared to hear the words, quality and relevance a lot.)
Originality & Relevance
Pathak recognizes the importance of high quality content and suggests that original, and relevant, content are the keys to SEO success these days. Panda and Penguin have made it pretty clear that low-quality content just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Anytime you’re providing your readers (not search bots) with useful information they can really use, you’re going to get a payoff.
Add Authenticity
Too much web content is drawn from nameless, faceless sources and that’s something Pathak recommends against. By using Google’s new authorship markup, you can really add some life to your content.
Even a simple online casino review is going to stand out a lot better against the competition when it displays with the author’s name and picture. He also suggests posting up your content on Google + for added authority.
Clean Internal Design
Keeping the internal structure of your site clean and in line with Google recommendations is an easy way to stay on the White Hat side of the street.
Those basic steps, like adding a site map, cost almost nothing and keep those search bots happy.
Finally
The basic rule for survival in the post-Penguin/Panda world is to play by the rules. It’s a white hat world out there and shortcuts just don’t cut it anymore.
What SEO habits have you developed to get past Penguin and Panda? We’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.