Web Marketing Strategy Update

Link building schemes based on private blog networks appear to be the latest to fall foul of Google’s Panda updates. The recent update released in February comprised of what was at the time a record-setting 40 algorithm changes that aim to improve search quality (another 50 changes were made in March).

I’m not going to detail all the changes, you can find those here, but the February updates appear to subtly improve local search relevancy, personalized search results, and overall, a greater emphasis on weeding out spam and duplication.

Build My Rank Deindexed

Less than a month after the changes have taken effect, the big daddy of private blog networks—Build My Rank (BMR), announces that it is closing its doors to new members. A few days later, BMR admits that most of its websites have been de-indexed by Google. As a result, they have ceased operations.

To quote from BMR: They will be shutting down their service in its current form. They have not been able to determine the root cause of de-indexing yet, and restoration of their services in the near future is doubtful (but not unlikely).

Other private blog networks, such as RankJumpers and SEOLinkMonsters, had already been massively de-indexed by Google within the same period. For businesses that have been relying on private blog networks for their search engine results ranking, this is very bad news indeed.

Searching For Alternative Blog Networks

The first instinct of SEO newbies upon receiving this shocking bit of news was to run around and try to find an alternative private blog network that could take the place of BMR. However, as days passed and the more experienced minds had their say through blogs and forums, it was sensibly pointed out that this could be an essentially futile effort. After all, BMR did have a good reputation for avoiding multiple posting to different domains, and they had a human-controlled system for approving content. Even with these efforts (which are far better than some), the fact that they were not able to escape Google’s wrath is just proof that other heads will be falling soon. It is no longer a question of if, but when.

Good SEO Practices

If blog networks are out, what other options does your average SEO guy have?

Ultimately, each Google Panda update aims to improve the search engine experience for actual users. Therefore, user-focused SEO practices are likely to be always correct. Focusing on providing useful content is what will ultimately make you rank.

Natural link building methods, such as guest blogging, posting to article directories and building legitimate link wheels, etc. are likely to remain relevant. In fact, with the way things are going, it would appear that these methods are going to be even more significant when it comes to influencing Google rankings.

Of course, at this point, no one is discounting the possibility that BMR could still rise from the ashes. It could be interesting to see how private blog networks will evolve to cope with all the changes happening in Google-sphere.

From the SEO guy at SendOnlineFax. They review internet fax services and provide email to fax service for businesses of all scales.

Related articles

• Google Cracking Down on “Unnatural” Links, Deindexing Blog Networks (searchenginewatch.com)
• BuildMyRank Shuts Down Their Link Network (bloggingtips.com)
• Are You Surprised That Google Doesn’t Like Paid Blog Networks? (webpronews.com)
• Jim Boykin Interview (seobook.com)