Google has upgraded its PageRank algorithm and it has negatively affected a whole host of popular websites.
What does this mean for you? First I should note that no one REALLY knows the reason these sites have been affected. After all, it is possible these PageRanks were reduced for another reason but with all of the righteous posturing from Google over the past year over purchased links I think it is a fair assumption that paid link advertising is the culprit. So with that in mind, if you have a high number of reciprocal or paid links on your website then it is quite possible you will also see a drop in PageRank soon. You should also ensure your site does not have links to websites that may have a vastly lower reputation – penalty by association.
Have rankings been affected? No it does not seem that the PageRank penalty has affected rankings yet. But it is too early for anyone to know exactly what Google has in mind for the sites that have been negatively affected by this update. Logically, however, it make sense that the PageRank is a warning of sorts from Google that they are beginning their crusade on sites that benefit from paid links or have links to websites that have a negative reputation.
Stay tuned! I will keep you up to date on any related news as soon as I hear it.
Other Sources for this News
- For now here is a short list of affected sites that Rand Fishkin over at SEOMoz compiled today.
- Here is TechCrunch’s view on Google’s update