Gaining in GoogleAvoiding Google's sandbox can be a challenge for even the most experienced webmasters. Considering the volume of traffic and number of searches conducted each day in the search giant, appearing in the top search results for critical keywords and phrases can make or break an online business. Take care to avoid Google's sandbox, so your business can benefit from Google's traffic.
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Sharon Housley May 22, 2008
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Google tends to not rank new domains. In an effort to
deter spammers from generating new websites, Google has implemented
filters for new websites, which means that it can be a challenge for a
new website to rank in Google's organic search results until they are
deemed trustworthy.
The Sandbox
Many websites are relegated to what is called "the
sandbox" while Google makes a decision about what to do with them. It
is strange to think that Google cares, as if Google has some sort of
human attributes. Whether Google really cares or not is really not the
point -- the point is: there are factors that help Google discern
whether a site should be relegated to the sandbox, or whether the site
should appear in the organic search results. The factors are all part
of Google's algorithm to rank sites, with the ultimate goal being to
provide searchers with the best possible search results. Here are some
factors that influence whether a site is destined for the sandbox, or
is able to join the party...
Age & Maturity
With age comes wisdom. The search power house looks not
only at the age of the domain, but also at the history of the domain.
If an old domain has recently changed hands, it might find that it
drops from the rankings. In hope of making a quick buck, spammers will
often buy domains that have high page ranks, or are considered
"trusted" by the search giant. But Google considers this factor as part
of their ranking algorithm in order to thwart such attempts by spammers
to manipulate search results and rankings.
Optimization
Optimization can impact whether a website is destined
for the sandbox. The key is finding a balance and allowing optimization
to appear natural. Optimization should be a tool to assist search
engines in ranking a specific webpage; it is not intended to manipulate
search engines. Webmasters should include keywords in the web page
title, description, URL. Keywords should also be used in anchor text in
text links, alt tags, and integrated into the body of the web page.
Links
Is the website loved by reputable sources? The links
need to be from related and reputable sources, which are popular
themselves. It is best to gradually amass links over time.
History Of Visits
Google tracks how long visitors stay on a domain using
their Google Toolbar, search requests, and click-throughs in the
organic search engine results. If a historic pattern is established
that web visitors clicks through to a domain but never actually spend
any time on that website, it is clear that the value of the website is
questionable.
Content Freshness
Google prefers a website that is current. Google gives
better rankings to websites that maintain existing content with current
information, and adds new content on a regular basis. Google is partial
to an old site with continuous new content that is updated on a
frequent basis.
Keywords
You should target keywords that are less common. If you
are attempting to compete for highly popular and competitive keywords,
you will have a difficult time. It is far easier to rank well for
obscure (but relevant) keywords and phrases.
Avoiding Google's sandbox can be a challenge for even
the most experienced webmasters. Considering the volume of traffic and
number of searches conducted each day in the search giant, appearing in
the top search results for critical keywords and phrases can make or
break an online business. Take care to avoid Google's sandbox, so your
business can benefit from Google's traffic. |