Google’s algorithm for ranking websites on their search engine results page is constantly being updated. Two of the updates from 2014 in particular got us really excited: Panda 4.0 and Panda 4.1.
What is a Panda update?
Google apparently likes to categorize their algorithm updates using animal names beginning with the letter P, like Penguin, Pigeon, and in this case, Panda. Each category is related to a search filter that is designed to improve a certain aspect of how websites get ranked on Google.
As advocators of content marketing, all of us over here at MayeCreate are fascinated by the Panda updates. Panda updates in general are implemented to keep websites that publish low quality content from being able to rank in the top spots on Google’s search engine results page. The very first Panda update went into effect on February 24th, 2011, and has since been updated numerous times.
What are Panda 4.0 and Panda 4.1?
In May of 2014, Google released Panda 4.0 as the 26th update to the Panda search filter. This was a major update that would be beneficial to small businesses, helping them to improve their page performance and SEO.
The idea here is to reward small businesses that produce high quality content for website visitors. Small businesses were often outranked on a Google SERP by bigger, wealthier, more well-known businesses that weren’t necessarily offering the most unique and interesting content.
This update had the searchers in mind and that’s what SEO should really be about. Instead of showing searchers the websites that could essentially pay their way to the top of a SERP, searchers would now have easier access to valuable, in-depth, educational content produced by small business in niche industries.
When the 27th Panda update (Panda 4.1) came around in September 2014 many brands were affected. Panda 4.1 was a much smaller scale update than Panda 4.0; it was about refining the algorithm to make it more precise so that small and medium-sized businesses could receive a fair standing in search engines, getting the higher rankings they deserve for generating new and distinct reader content.
Quality Content Matters for SEO
So what does this all really mean for you? The major takeaway here is that quality content marketing is your ticket to higher rankings in search engines. Google understands the value your website can provide to online readers when you take the time to publish unique contributions. Google’s way of saying thank you is to reward your site by moving you up in the ranks. Higher rankings in search engines helps refer more traffic to your website with the ultimate goal of bringing you more business.
Generating unique and valuable reader content is also a white hat SEO technique, so you can feel good about driving visitors to your site ethically instead of tricking search engines into ranking you higher by keyword stuffing or participating in link schemes.
Start Blogging and Reap the Rewards of Google’s Algorithm Update
Blogging is a great way to share rich, high quality content about phenomena in your industry. Remember, you’re an expert in your field, so writing about your perspective and providing insight on specific industry-related topics is an easy, manageable way for you to improve SEO.
Need help getting started?
Download our free Introduction to Business Blogging e-book and get on the right track to moving up in search engine rankings.