Google Unleashes DEVASTATING Update for Exact Match Domains
Posted by Matthew Loop | 7 Comments
Wow! Looks like Google is at it again. They rolled-out yet another search engine update on 9/28/2012. Now, they’re unleashing the fury on what are referred to as Exact-Match Domains (EMD’s). So what exactly is meant by “exact match?”
We’ll, let say that “How to Lose Weight Fast” is a heavily searched keyword phrase online (which it is). If you had the domain HowToLoseWeightFast.com, that would constitute an exact match.
Another example in a small, local market might be ChiropractorInLasVegas.com
Here is a tweet from Google’s Matt Cutts talking about the update:
According to Google, the crack-down just targets low-quality exact-match domains.
So, what constitutes a low-quality exact match domain?
– The website has very few pages
– The website has a lot of duplicate content and/or very little original content
– The content posts don’t have a strong history of getting socially shared (Tweets, Likes, Pins, etc)
– The website doesn’t have consistent, fresh content being added regularly
– The site author is unknown or hasn’t established a strong “Author Rank”
– The website doesn’t have a TOS or Privacy Policy
– The site has too many low quality links, especially exact matching anchor text links
So, what constitutes a high-quality exact match domain?
– The website is resourceful and has a lot of unique pages (hundreds to thousands)
– No duplicate content is found and the website is abundant with original content.
– The website and content are updated regularly, keeping the site fresh
– The content posts DO have a strong history of getting socially shared (Tweets, Likes, Pins, etc)
– The website has a TOS, privacy policy, and other on page links that help legitimize it.
– The site has a plethora of other high quality website properties linking to it in a natural fashion
– The site author is established in his / her market and has a strong Author Rank
Here’s the truth… and I’ve been saying this for a for what seems like years. You cannot trick Google with the latest and greatest gimmick or tactic, hoping to “game” your way to the top! You’ve got to be in-it for the long haul. This is not a fly-by-night proposal.
You must establish authority as a credible author and website owner in Google’s eyes.
There is a right (and strategic) way to do this as well.
Protect Yourself and Your Business
You have to know how to build a trustworthy brand / business online that is seen as a resource with high-value content. Not only that, you MUST understand how to get your site and content shared by authority figures in your local or national market.
The reason this blog does so well and that I’m able to reach tens of thousands is because awhile back I discovered the specific formula Google was looking for. I pull back the curtain in this in-depth training.
The game is rigged…
Now, more than ever, Google is showing favoritism. I’m not complaining at all since their Panda, Penguin, and EMD updates have all worked in my favor.
Many average, unaware business owners are getting punished, though. They haven’t built enough credibility or authority in Google’s eyes. My advice is to evolve with the times immediately.
Those that resist and do not heed this warning can expect a continued slip in rankings which will subsequently lead to less exposure and a dramatic drop in new clients and/or sales from the internet.
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Hey Matthew… reaffirms for chiropractors that the best method is always to simply produce good quality content… frequently and consistently. You can never wrong doing that.
Totally agree, Todd. Well said…
The sad part is many chiros and others as well honestly implemented these strategies(usually after being sold a product) in an effort to “follow the rules”. Secondly I have little faith in Google’s ability to make the proper call. Am I correct that you cannot appeal a “slap”?
Matt, great post. I agree, writing and posting original content happens regularly on my site. Question about the TOS though for a chiropractic site that doesn’t sell product. Can you give us an example?
Great post. Original content sells.
So are you saying exact match domains are no good?