Google officially announced that they released a new link spam update, that we reported on here.
They also explained that it would take approximately two weeks to completely roll out, but it appears it is not entirely done yet.
Google’s original announcement included a reminder on links that qualify to be on Google and their latest link spam update:
In our continued efforts to improve the quality of the search results, we’re launching a new link spam fighting change today—which we call the “link spam update.” This algorithm update, which will rollout across the next two weeks, is even more effective at identifying and nullifying link spam more broadly, across multiple languages. Sites taking part in link spam will see changes in Search as those links are re-assessed by our algorithms.
As always, site owners should make sure that they are following the best practices on links, both incoming and outgoing. Focusing on producing high quality content and improving user experience always wins out compared to manipulating links. Promote awareness of your site using appropriately tagged links, and monetize it with properly tagged affiliate links.
On Twitter, Barry Schwartz asked whether or not the update has completed rolling out yet, and Danny Sullivan confirmed that it has not. See their exchanges below:
Also, see this conversation:
Based on Google’s responses, it looks like it is taking at least twice as long to roll out than initially predicted, if not more.
While there has been an unconfirmed algorithm update as of this past week or so, it’s difficult to figure out whether or not this update is in any way related to the link spam update.
It is also quite possible that, even with another update brewing, we are seeing the tail end of the link spam update.
It’s too early for any predictions yet, and it’s likely that we still have another week to go.
As always, we will continue to keep you updated.
