What is the new / current google algorithm update targeting and how to adapt / fix SEO approach accordingly ?
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Over the past c. 3 weeks our average Google SERP rankings for a site have been as follows :
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week 1 : average 3rd in SERP
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week 2 : average 1st in SERP
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week 3 : average 7th in SERP
Reading on sites including Moz, SEO Roundtable and looking at Moz's mozcast tool it seems there is allot of change going on with Google's algorithm at the moment.
Is there a general consensus as to what the new algorithm update is targeting so that we can adapt our site / marketing accordingly ? Or is it too early to adapt ? When Google rolls out an update like this is it common to see fluctuations as they try out things or if we are currently down in the rankings should we take action now.
I know there a tools that look at your google analytics data an overlay a list of major google updates such a penguin and panda, but from what ive read this is a generic algorithm change rather than a defined named update.
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Since writing this question originally, now that Penguin 4.0 has been publicly announced is it the consensus that the heavy fluctuations in rankings that started around 1st September where Penguin being rolled out ?
Eg. if a site has gone down in rankings since 1st Sept, will it have all / mostly been to do with over optimisation of backlinks and anchor text ?
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I think that it very unlikely for people who discover the main changes provided by an algo change to be posted in a timely manner out there. I think that your best bet is to analyze winners vs losers and test changes on your site, to find out which are the changes that may be affecting your rankings, anyway I would suggest to wait a week or 2 until you see that ranks stands so you ensure that your drop is not just normal fluctuation.
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Nothing's been confirmed yet so not much that we can do, aside from ride the waves and keep an eye out for trends on what it could be affecting. Based on your own experiences and others'.
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