I Laugh at the Way Mainstream Media Covers SEO

I truely laugh at the way mainstream media covers SEO. For example take this article from the Wall Street Journal about Overstock.com being released from Googles Penality Box.

“The Internet retailer had said the incident stemmed in part from its practice of encouraging websites of colleges and universities to post links to Overstock pages so students and faculty could receive discounts. Overstock had said it discontinued the program Feb. 10, before it heard from Google, but some university webmasters were slow to remove the links.”

They were buying .edu links that simple. It was and still is a common practice. Risky, but common. They said they removed them before they heard it from Google, but website owner were slow to remove the links. Yea right I call bullshit!

“Sites associated with educational institutions, which come with a “.edu” in their Web addresses, are said to be given priority by Google’s search algorithm.”

.edu links do not have any more authority then a .com or .biz or any other TLD it just happens that most .edu website have better more natural link profiles as they are a university.

“Asked for comment, a Google spokesperson said, “Our webmaster guidelines are designed to protect users, and when a site violates them, we take action to preserve a good user experience. We typically don’t comment on how specific websites rank in our search results.”"

Since Google will never tell you why they penalized your site Overstock.com is painted in a great light.

Google Local Results Suggesting Additional Searches Under The Map

Today I was searching on Google and noticed some new enhancements. When searching with a local intent keyword like “San Diego Hotel” I noticed Google was suggesting some additional search refinements.

Now I have not seen this in the past, so I am pretty sure it is a new feature. Are you seeing this? I assume the refinement suggestions are generated by search volumes similar to how their current suggestion system works.

If you need help with your local search optimization you can always contact me!

Google New Layout .. DO you like?

I am just not to sure about Google’s new layout. It seems very macish 2.0 feeling. Bright colors and drop shadow.

I guess it is just odd for me to see good web design from Google.

Do you like it?