Google Over-Optimization Penalty: Is it Coming?

Is Google playing mind games again with the SEO community, or can webmasters really expect an over-optimization penalty in the near future? The rumors started when a Google exec announced a while back at SXSW that the search engine mogul was working on an algorithm update that would essentially penalize sites that were too heavily optimized for SEO. In other words, if you have completely over done it, you may have to start shaking in your boots. But do you really?

Build My Rank Shut Down: Link Networks at Risk in the SEO World

As many of you in the SEO community are already aware of, Build My Rank has been shut down and closed its doors for at least the foreseeable future. There was speculation surrounding the status of Build My Rank for weeks, and finally, they posted the following on their site that confirmed any suspicions that the network was dead. After Google de-indexed a large percentage of sites in their network, they ultimately had no choice. So what does this all mean for the SEO community? Other link networks? Sites that used Build My Rank?

Do I Need SEO For My Website? What You Should Be Asking

For many different reasons, a lot of people aren't too sure if they need search engine optimization (SEO) for their website. As the digital world continues to expand, and more people rely on search engines to provide them with the information they are looking for, answering that question becomes imperative. So, how do you know if you need SEO for your website? Check out the following questions you should be asking yourself - you'll have your answer in a few minutes.

A Review of SEO Services: What Your SEO Company Should Offer

Search engine optimization (SEO) companies are popping up all over the world. The spectrum of services that these companies offer is quite broad. When you consider the range of pricing options between outfits, it becomes extremely important to review what services an SEO company provides before selecting one to manage your online marketing campaign. You have to know what you are paying for. Let's review the SEO services you will need to successfully market your website in the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Google's Paid Link Policy and How It Affects SEO

The paid link debate carries on in to 2012 with no end in site. If you want to fire up the SEO community, all you have to do is bring up the subject of buying links and watch the flames ignite. But what about Google? Where does the search engine giant stand? Have they changed their position recently? Let's define that once and for all, and discuss the impact their position has on SEO.

2012 Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Update

It is clear that local SEO continues to frustrate most that have been trying to solve Google's local algorithm over the last few years. 2012 is no different. The lack of consistency in the map results can drive a person bananas. Google is clearly running thousands of tests per day to try and determine which style of map results produces the highest click-through-rate (CTR). Amidst all the confusion, I want to try and hash out the things that we do know moving forward in 2012 regarding local search and optimizing for the map results. Here is an update!