Google & MSN Updates

Mary Bowling | 22 February 2006 |

Database updates are underway at Google and MSN. Here’s the latest about both:

Google

The Google PageRank and backlink update that started last Friday is still going on. At the pace it is rolling through the data centers, it could easily take another week or more to finish up. This is in keeping with Google’s recent focus on presenting us with more frequent and less drastic changes. In the mean time, you can expect to see fluctuating SERPs (search engine results pages), varying PageRanks, and unsettled Google backlink counts.

Links from forums and blogs seem to be gaining power, and those from out-of-community directories may be losing it. However, it is never wise to look too closely or to take things too seriously until an update is completed and it is obvious that all the filters have been put back into place.

MSN

MSN also instituted an update over the weekend. Initially, the results apppeared to reward a lot of spammy websites, which is the exact opposite of their intention. MSN then claimed to do a rollback. This means they thought their update was lacking, so they reverted to a previous version of the index. However, some reputable SEO’s are questioning whether this is really the case.

Stay Tuned…
As with every search engine update like this, it is unwise to react until we can identify what changes, if any, need to be made in order for websites to continue to perform well in organic searches. We’re watching these updates closely, and will keep you informed, so check back often!

Mary Bowling - Blizzard Internet Marketing, Inc.