Google’s newest major update, Penguin, rolled out at the end of April and it’s managed to create a bit of a stir since then.
Of course, by “stir,” I mean crying and gnashing of teeth for people with crappy websites.
Sure, it sounds a little harsh, but you have to remember that the point of Google’s constantly updating algorithms is not to evilly punish everyone who’s trying to make a little living on the Internet. The point is to weed out the bad seeds so that users can actually find your awesome content and not their sketchy content.
The lesson is simple: Keep your content fresh and your SEO honest.
Don’t try to “trick” Google into finding you. Don’t try to find sneaky ways around their very complicated, very top secret Penguin algorithm. Don’t stuff your site with keywords. Google is on to you – and they are going to make you pay for your dirty tricks.
Simply do what you can to make good content that people will want to read. Ensure you have a visually appealing website. Update your site frequently (something that I myself have been guilty of not doing as of late!). Try to find a niche that isn’t already hella-overpopulated. That’s how you get noticed on Google – I promise.
And if you’re moaning and groaning and saying, “But I was relying on keyword stuffing/link cloaking/insert-your-yucky-tactic-here, what can I do NOW?” well, please see above. I know it sucks to have to rethink your web strategy, but unless you run an online business where you don’t need Google on your side (rare to say the least!), then it’s in your best interests to play by Google’s rules – whether that’s Penguin or whatever animal comes next.
wickedcopy.wordpress.com 
I’ve read a few examples of SEO consultants having to tell a company to rewrite their content and it dawned on me how many companies do not know that you can not just get a facebook, get a blog, get a twitter and magically you increase traffic to your site.
I know what you mean! The tricks that existed to “magically” skyrocket your site to the top of search engines pretty much all died out in, what, the ’90s? It’s amazing that people are still struggling to try to make that happen. The only time I’ve ever seen something get ranked high very quickly was when it was in one of the few remaining niches that aren’t oversaturated yet.
It’s a good news bad new scenario type of thing, but I think Google is really forcing people to develop their content, which is good for long term business.
I am glad that all these rules are in place, I am having no problem getting to the top of the ranks without the dirty tricks. I dont see why we cant all.
I’m with you. It’s awesome to know that Google rewards great content instead of just cheap tricks.