Question

Topic: SEO/SEM

What Is Brewing At Google?

Posted by Anonymous on 10/15/2008 at 1:54 AM ET 125 Points
I was told today by a colleague that backlinks are not as important as they use to be. The person went on to explain that Google had recently recalibrated their spiders and are not counting backlinks or links coming into your site as importantly as they use to. Is this true? I can't seem to find anything that confirms this. What is the verdict? If this is true? What else has changed with this supposed recalibration of Google?
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 10/15/2008 at 8:29 AM Accepted
    Google continues to evolve their algorithm as they learn more and to reduce "gaming" of the system. Using (some) paid links and link farms may penalize your page rank.
  • Posted by excellira on 10/15/2008 at 9:25 AM Accepted
    Your colleague is correct. And incorrect.

    Backlinks remain an important component of Google's algorithm. But as Jay points out, over time they have eliminated the value of some which are known to be utilized for the sole purpose of increasing rank. They have also weighted the value of links by factoring in the authority, TrustRank, age, subject, type, and etc., of a given site.

    So, if Warren Buffet states that you are an astute business manager then that endorsement would be better than if your neighbor made that statement (unless Warren Buffet is your neighbor ;-)

    Links are valued somewhat the same. If known, high-value sites link to yours then the value of those links should be higher.
  • Posted on 10/15/2008 at 2:42 PM Accepted
    Google just posted an excellent blog on this: https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/quality-scores-and-ad-auctions.html
  • Posted by excellira on 10/15/2008 at 2:49 PM Member
    Quality Score pertains to PPC. I believe the OP was referring to organic search.
  • Posted on 10/15/2008 at 2:53 PM Member
    It's still much the same concept they use for their organic search, if you're looking for a basic explanation.
  • Posted by excellira on 10/15/2008 at 3:07 PM Member
    While there may be something behind the back button and page quality providing value in regards to rankings I'm not seeing the correlation between backlinks and Quality Score. Your point is interesting, can you elaborate?
  • Posted on 10/15/2008 at 10:14 PM Author
    I have nothing to elaborate on. I am perplexed. I am referring to SEO (natural organic search). I tend to think that quality, relevant links pointing at your site can be nothing but good for the site's rankings. However, I have been told that this is not an area to focus on because of this re-calibration. Does anyone know any differently?
  • Posted by excellira on 10/15/2008 at 10:25 PM Member
    Please read my first response - it answers your question clearly.

    The question posed in my last response was not directed to you but was directed at sfowler. With the exceptions I noted, I don't see the connection between Quality Score and the relevance and value of backlinks.

  • Posted on 10/17/2008 at 1:25 PM Accepted
    This is not at all true. Links are still quite important, and are one of the most important factors for SEO rankings.

    Here are some related SEO resources you might like that talk about links and linkbuilding:
  • Posted by excellira on 10/20/2008 at 11:00 AM Member
    I agree with KSA. If I had to choose one component which contributed the greatest impact on rankings it would be linkage.

    This statement does not imply that all other factors should be ignored.

    I also agree with the concept that excellent content will attract good linkage. Though for most webmasters this is easier said than done.
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