If your small business stopped getting the phone calls it used to right around May 21, 2014, you may have been a victim of Panda 4.0.  We’ve been getting a lot of calls from people asking about Panda 4.0, so we wanted to make sure everyone is up to speed on how to handle it.

Panda 4.0 is the latest update to Google’s search algorithm  which went live the weekend of May 21, 2014. While no one knows for sure exactly what the update changes were (except Google of course), the SEO industry has some pretty good insights.  Since even online giants like Ebay have taken a 80% hit in the number of pages ranked on page one, it’s pretty clear that this update was another game changer.

Here’s what small business owners need to know and do about Panda 4.0:

First, you need to know that Panda 4.0 was implemented to make sure Google provides Google users the absolute best search results it can – as are the other 400 to 500 updates Google makes to their algorithm each year.  If you are not trying to “game the SEO system”, then these updates will help push your competitors down and lift your website up – IF you are following the Google SEO Guidelines.

Remember, Google is trying to provide Google Users with the best customer experience they can.  They’re not trying to make it difficult for you.  They’re trying to make it difficult for your competitors that are trying to cheat.

For Local Businesses, here’s the game plan.  Click on the link beneath each bullet point to read the full blog post for more details:

1. Get more reviews.

Getting more reviews.

2. Get your “citations” in order.

Fix your citations.

3. Keep writing quality content for your industry.

Writing good quality content.

4. Consider professional help.

Why you should get professional help.

We have some free SEO resources available on our website for small business owners.  If you think you need help getting more business, please read through the material we have available and educate yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: Panda 4.0 has absolutely no impact on the Pay-per-Click Ads that you may be running with Google AdWords.

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