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- The Google Dance

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The "Google Dance" Continues

Just about every one who uses the Internet knows search engine Google. Google, with reported 100 million-plus Internet searches per day, has become the main source of Web site referrers and a source of revenue for an untold number of businesses. Google's objective is to provide the best search tool on the Internet. In an effort to prevent "web spamming" Google consistently refines and updates their ranking algorithm i.e. the programming methods by which Web sites are ranked for keywords. This is of course nothing new. Google make refinements to their search directory all the time. This is commonly referred to as "The Google Dance".

Google notes that when new ranking algorithms are in place to they can better filter out Web sites which contain irrelevant information generated by specific keyword groups. Google continues to note that their updates are a way of "policing" the web, ensuring honesty, adherence to rules, and relevant searches.

So, this raises the question: How can we deal with Google's algorithm updates? How can you still obtain high ranking in Google?

Google is always making updates to their search engine. Once Google has found balance in its new ranking system, Webmasters and site owners can respond to any new Google guidelines.

Here are a few things you can do to ensure you’re on good terms with Google:

• Create a useful, information-rich site and write pages that clearly and accurately describe your content. Think about the words users would type to find your pages, and make sure that your site actually includes those words within it. Don’t "overload" it with keywords however. Google will view this as "over-optimizing" and the new ranking system may think your site is spamming, and in turn, remove you from its index.
• Offer relevant information and plenty of it. You can't go wrong by offering good content. Offer it so that visitors want to visit your and other websites want to link to your site. That's the type of site Google "likes".
• Build your site with a clear hierarchy and text links. Every page should be reachable from at least one static text link. Offer a Site Map to your users with links that point to the important parts of your site. (A Site Map contains links to every page of your site.)
• Make sure that each of your pages have "unique" titles. Don't use the same title for all pages and make sure each page title describes the "theme" of the page's content.

Offer great content, make your titles and links work for you... and happy Googling.

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