The Latest Google Update: Code Named "FLORIDA"

Something strange is happening on Google: thousands of Web sites that once held top rankings have disappeared - Web sites that were in the top five rankings for years because of their keywords and key phrases. We at SEO Inc. have been surfing all of the major Web master forums, like WebMasterworld and SEOChat, as well as relevant newsgroups, to see what the online community makes of this mystery. Our findings can be summed up in two words: wild speculation.

According to Webster's Dictionary: Speculation. 1. Opinion based on incomplete information.

After extensive research, we have solved the mystery: Google has changed its algorithms (the tools search engines use to identify and rank sites), and the fallout from this is far from over. Without divulging information that currently gives our firm a competitive edge, I'd like to explain what is happening in easy-to-understand manner.

First, stop Google bashing or believing the conspiracy theory that theory Google has done away with keywords or key phrases to get you to spend money advertising on AdWords Select. Algorithmic changes are Google's attempt to ensure that relevant results appear in search engine queries, and that Spammers and Web masters using unethical SEO techniques are eliminated - nothing more, nothing less.

Second, start thinking like a CTO at a search engine company. We do and we have enhanced hundreds of sites so that they are compliant with universal TOS (Terms of Service) requirements of specific search engine properties. Because of this, the Web sites that we've worked on still enjoy top rankings.

Here is a technical analysis of what is really occurring. We'll start with brief example in order to help you understand the Google Dance mystery.

In your email program, you can adjust Spam filters from high to low in order to delete Spam. If you set the filter to high, it will delete important messages from business partners, clients, family, friends, and so forth. This is exactly what the new Google filter is doing. Its filters are proxy, node, or cluster based, and they are looking for Spam, cloaked or hidden, in order or demote or de-list inappropriate Web sites, domains, or IP address blocks. But the Spam filter was set too high, thus removing many relevant pages that should have remained in top positions.

Given the public outcry, you can be assured that the bright minds at Google will tweak the filters' parameters so that they continue to come up with highly relevant results. If this doesn't help your Web site, you can use the "fool" proof W.T.D.C protocol: Waive The Dead Chicken over your computer and light some incense in order to get your rankings back.

There is, however, a serious lesson Web masters need to learn from the Google debacle. Trying to increase a site's rankings artificially - either because of zealousness or by deceptive tactics - ends with a harsh wake-up call: being de-listed.