More than a month ago now Google released a new search algorithm that changed the SEO world, as of April 11, 2011 it will affect the entire English speaking community. When the first stage of the algorithm was released many sites saw dramatic changes, while others that followed strict guidelines seemed to not be affected. If your SEO efforts are no longer showing any results after the recent algorithm change, then it is likely that your SEO Company is not following the rules.

There are many evolutionary changes being made, such as user feedback that contributes to the algorithm by incorporating data about the sites that users block. This feature may evolve outside of the search engine with the Google Chrome extension that allows users to block sites directly from their browser. Think of both the extension and the search engine feature as having an adverse effect to the Google +1 button; however they do work in many different ways. Keep in mind that Google does collect data from the Personal Block List extension and incorporating the data into the algorithm is very likely because they’ve already compared the data to the sites users have blocked on their search engine.

You may be asking yourself what this might mean for you if you’ve lost traffic recently. This means you simply need to re-evaluate your SEO method and see where you might not be following the rules. Don’t be scared of the change, I say embrace it and take the time to learn something new! If you don’t have the time to learn something new, hire a professional! Here are some articles you may find helpful in researching the changes, and re-evaluating your SEO strategy.

Finding more high-quality sites in search

High-quality sites algorithm goes global, incorporates user feedback

Hide sites to find more of what you want

Webmaster Guidelines

If you follow social media news, or the Google blog, I’m sure you may have heard about the new Google “Like button” called “+1”. Although Google claims it is not building a social network their actions in the recent past say otherwise. With purchases of Slide.com, Jambool, Like.com, Angstro, Social Deck, it looks like Google has something up their sleeve. With approximately 90% of the web search share and at least 146 million Gmail users I think we can all be sure that Google has a shot; however they can’t just challenge the social media giant Facebook. I can’t say that Google is building a social network, or that they would succeed, but they are moving in the right direction with the “+1”.

The “+1” will give many sites on the web a chance to prove popularity and relevance with a “Like Button-esque” feature built right into the most used search engine on the planet. Facebook recently improved the Like button possibly in preparation for the “+1” let us know what you think of the “+1”. I am going to have to say with the backing of the most popular search engine, “I’m voting the “+1″ will be a great success.”. In the near future you may find yourself saying “Google my site” and if you like what you see “+1 me”.

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