Since early 2011, Google has been rolling out updates to its algorithm in the form of Google Panda. Update 3.4 specifically targets low-quality websites as well as the sites that have been “over-optimized,” particularly through keyword stuffing.

Before modern search engines and SEO, searching was simply based on keywords. But with the construction of Panda, these algorithm robots can detect and scan more complex ideas and associations. This process is call semantics. For example, if you have a website about ‘music legends,’ semantic keywords would be “The Beatles” and “Elvis.” Because of this, Google can constantly improve searches for everyone who uses it.

Only 1.6% of websites have been affected by the Panda 3.4 update. But based on the number of websites out there, 1.6 is a small number that can have a large effect. Still, Google continues its mission to improve his search engine with more Pandas and even a penguin.

Google coined “White hat” search engine optimization is being used everyday by genuine, top-quality sites working to increase traffic and ranking productively, creatively and legitimately.

Unfortunately, barricades like Penguin cause the “Black Hat” schemers to look for bigger and sneakier ways to find the search engine loopholes. When tactics become more aggressive, they are harder to fight. These “Black Hat” schemers will do anything from keyword stuffing to intentionally creating duplicate links to putting links in completely unrelated content.

Penguin was created specifically for these negative strategists but regrettably, some will fall through the cracks. Just like the Pandas before Penguin, Google’s mission to rid its search of unworthy sites will continue. See Google’s official post regarding this topic.

After its release in April 2012, Google reported only 3% of sites were affected by its Google Penguin changes, but soon after, it became apparent that more and more had seen signs of forthcoming pink slips. So chances are, you are making sure that your website is up to snuff.

Google will always be trying to wheedle out the inferior content. So companies (you know who you are) that are making high amounts of low-quality content to get people to its site, are being forced to change their ways. Quality is the keyword here. Anything that is not up to Google’s standard, will get the ax.

But all hope is not lost. If you find your Google ranking/searches dropping, there are so many ways on this vast interweb to combat Google’s seemingly evil algorithms. For example, make your site user-friendly, use more video, pictures, infographics, links, meta tags, make sure any body copy is good body copy and with the right experts in SEO, you can get your site ranking higher.

As its Google’s mission to only provide its users with the top-quality content, it should be yours as well. If you still feel your site was unfairly affected, Google is accepting feedback forms. You can also report a site you feel is spam.

Google has released other algorithms before, but when Penguin was announced in April of 2012, we knew it was going to be big.

You could even call it Google’s “Scared Straight” program.

These days, it is safe to say there are billions of websites on the internet, so Penguin is the code used to sort through them to find those of the best quality. Basically, sites that are, among many other things, deliberating creating duplicate content and “keyword stuffing,” (repeating keywords) as SEO strategy are not acknowledged or accepted by Google. Penguin is simply an updated algorithm that cracks down hard on these offenders and penalizes those who are over-optimizing.

The solution? A well planned and implemented marketing and SEO strategy.

What is Google + ?

Google + is a social network designed to make the user-experience as easy and manageable as possible. Google + does have a news stream where content is collected. Though, unlike Facebook, Google + allows further categorization of the people the user has chosen to associate with by putting them into specific “Circles” like “friends,” “co-workers,” or “soccer team.” Content would then only be shown to the circles chosen. Other features include “Huddles,” (group chats), and “Hangouts,” where video chatting can include several webcams in one session.

Why should your business have a Google + ?

In addition to joining and appealing to early adopters and techies, you can use Hangout to connect with clients, associates and employees alike.

Google + Circles allow you target specific groups and audiences in order to share customized messages.

Anything associated with Google will have a search engine aspect. When sharing a Circle associated with a certain theme or product, your reach will go beyond what you can see to more users, who, when logged into Google+, will have your businesses’ relevant content take priority in search results.

Furthermore, with these results, a user is able to find your company and follow you, much faster than say, obtaining a “like” on Facebook.

Go ahead and check Google + out. You may find it worth your while.

1. Multiple pages for one site.

   Those sites that have multiple pages showing on a search for a single keyword are being reduced. If you have several optimized pages for the same keyword, lookout for a fall in the search results.

2. More User-friendly results.

   The sites that do have more than one page appearing for a particular keyword search are being filtered out and organized for more easy-to-navigate results for the user.

3. Cut the inferior.

   Google is cracking down on the low-quality sites. Got a link scheme or substandard site? Prepare for results in the high-numbered pages.

4. Does anyone keyword stuff anymore? Well, those of you who still are will find it harder still to get past Google with too many superfluous keywords.

5. Is it all in the Name?

   Have a misleading title for your page? Google will compare your title and your content. Guess who will win.

6. It is all in the name. Page titles with concise and relevant names will have the upper hand.

7. Digging Deeper.

   Sites that show up on the result page sometimes have what are called “sub-sitelinks,” which lead to more keyword-specific results within the site. Google is looking deeper and pulling these out more often.

8. Digging Daily.

   Google will show, change and refresh these sitelinks with more frequency.

9. Authority is rewarded.

   Think your business holds the key to a particular industry? Google’s algorithm is trying hard to find you.

10. Rewarding the socialites.

    Sites, no matter how small, that keep their content updated and connected will see more positive change in ranks and results.

The truth is we are living in an age that is a store of endless opportunity, especially for businesses.

Millions access the internet everyday on their computers, phones and tablets. Of that, millions are members of social media sites like Twitter and YouTube. Facebook alone has more than 500,000,000 users, according to its official blog. Check out these Facebook statistics. So, the question really should be, why aren’t you utilizing social media? It’s like refusing to give up your old 1985 brick phone for a modern smart phone.

People all over the world are constantly posting, sharing, tweeting, uploading, commenting, liking and disliking all kinds of products in all kinds of markets. Connecting with customers and potential customers has never been easier.

Not only can you keep your customers engaged, offering contests, giveaways and interesting articles, you can execute quality and even damage control by addressing negative content. Give a free voucher to a customer who made a disappointed comment on Facebook. This can spread like wildfire to that’s person’s personal blog, Tumblr and Twitter; thus helping associate this behavior with your brand. Simply communicating and connecting with your customers can make a world of difference.

Be sure to exercise caution. Too much social media can cause skepticism or overwhelm users. Nevertheless, social media has made the world smaller than ever. The opportunity is there, you just have to sign up and sign in.

Included in these tools are Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Documents,Google Drive, Google Presentations and Google Spreadsheets.

First is the convenience ofGoogle Drive. Users can store up to 5 gigs of documents, pictures and videos all in one place, easily shared and edited by any authorized user. You can drag any file from any program intoGoogle Drive, never needing to hit save.

Gmail has many more features than just the ability to send and receive e-mails. Users can instantly chat, video chat and even call other users of their choice about a particular topic, without waiting for individual responses.

With Google Documents, Calendar, Presentations and Spreadsheets, you can instantly and easily update your ‘to do’ lists, projects, appointments and files while allowing access and editing abilities by authorized users, instantly saved and stored.

The features on Google Cloud really are user-friendly and convenient. Check out this great informational video on Google’s official blog on how to get into the Cloud.

Launched in 2010, Pinterest’s own slogan is “share and organize beautiful things on the web.” It sums up quite well the concept of the site. Essentially, users can grab (“pin”) or upload any page, image or link on the web they find interesting and collect them into categorized queues called “boards” on their own Pinterest account, or “pinboard.”

A user can follow the pinboards and/or specific boards of other users. The content in these boards can then be taken and added to his/her own board. Users can then “mention” other users while commenting, liking and sharing any pin, board or pinboard. As a result, images and messages can spread like wildfire from user to user. You can easily add a “pin it” button to your website as well as a “follow us on Pinterest” button. Connect with Facebook and Twitter to extend the reach even farther. Basically, if your business has a Pinterest, the potential for exposure is fantastic.

The potential to promote current and new products/services on Pinterest is enormous. A long list of companies is already taking advantage of this sharing and referral traffic potential. The most popular themes on Pinterest are weddings, fashion and style, DIY and arts and crafts. If you can be associated with these industries, you better jump on the Pin bandwagon or your competition will leave you in the dust.