The rippling effect of the latest Google Page Rank Update
This weekend has seen Google roll out and make public its latest page rank information. This update has been a long awaited event and as with the majority of Google updates has caused quite a stir among the web community and particularly with those working in the field of search engine optimisation.
This David and Goliath update has seen many long established, big name, high ranking websites such as Apple, Microsoft and IBM take a drop in page rank, in some cases from PR10 to PR6 or PR7, while other smaller websites have seen the expected boost in their page rank score.
Why have these big name players seen this drop in their page rank? As always, Google plays its cards very close to it’s chest so nobody really knows why but speculation is rife as to the many possible reasons for this.
One theory is that Google has implemented a new algorithm which will bring many websites with over inflated page rank scores back down to a more realistic value for the pages in question. This could mean Google are trying to create a level playing field for other websites to compete in.
Another theory is that Google are hitting out at those websites that sell paid links or partake in buying or selling links. In short, those sites which are trying to trick the search engines into giving them higher rankings in the SERP’s.
If this update has affected your website my advice would be not to worry, don’t get to disheartened. It maybe a good opportunity to take a step back, look at the search engine optimisation practices that you’re employing, review your strategy and make adjustments. By focusing your efforts on the basics of search engine optimisation, link building and quality content development you’re sure to maintain your rankings in the SERP’s and in time gain back any lost page rank scores.
Remember, focus on your visitors not the search engines, have faith and the rest will follow.
