Hello, Saturday the site went down. Max 24 hr before restored by WA. Until then the 400 posts in my niche did well, 50% ish, top 4 results, SEO still shows 79/100. Once up agai
Hey Tim,
You've probably been hit by one of the Google Algorithm updates, more specifically the "spam update" that was rolled out last week.
That said, Google doesn't always get these things right.
For me, it appears that Google is "chasing" AI content produced sites, "thin" affiliate content, and those who create spammy backlinks.
However, as I say, Google doesn't always get it right.
Case in point, I have spoken to many people pver the past 2 months, and so many have been hit.
I myself have lost over 100,000 MONTHLY visitors on one site... yep, you read that right.
Just because you have no MANUAL PENALTY showing in Google Search Console, doesn't mean you haven't been hit by an algorithm update.
In fact, I have just had to disavow over 400 spammy backlinks pointing to this site.
What you can do is to compare Google Search Console stats for this past 7 days to the previous 7 days.
So, do a search for last 7 days and look at the QUERIES (remember every article you write typically ranks for 100s of keywords), avg position, but especially IMPRESSIONS.
Then do a CUSTOM SEARCH for the pervious 7-day period, i.e. 14th Oct- 20th Oct.
Can you see a difference in IMPRESSIONS and the the QUERIES that you are now ranking for?
What has happened in the latest update is that many people have completely lost rankings on certain keywords.
As an example:
You have a blog post that ranks for 50 keywords, and each keyword produces 3 visitors per day.
That article receives 150 visitors per day.
After the latest Google update, suddenly Google deems that you aren't relevant enough for 45 of those keywords, so you COMPLETELY LOSE rankings for them. This same article is now only receiving 15 visitors per day.
This is about the size of it, and many, many, many people have experienced this in the last couple of months.
The best thing to do is to read through Google's Spam Policies (just Google it).
However, you also want to check Google Search Console to see which keywords you have "lost" rankings for, and then check page one of Google for those queries to see what's ranking.
What types of articles? (list, informational, product review, how to, etc.)
How many words?
How many subheadings?
What type of media? images, infographics, videos, etc.
You should also check your backlink profile in Google Search Console under LINKS.
Actually click on the links and go to those websites.
What do you see?
Do they seem legit?
Are there 100s of links on every article?
Do the articles even make sense?
The main thing is NOT TO PANIC if you have been hit by an update, as most often you can bounce back.
This typically happens at the next CORE update, which is due in November/December.
That said, it can also take even longer, perhaps the next core update in May 2023, or even the one after that.
The one thing you NEVER want to see with a website is a gradual, slow decline in traffic.
This can often spell the end for a websote, regardless of how many years you've put into it.
More often than not, MASSIVE drops in traffic due to an algorithm update will come back even stronger after the next Google Core update.
Partha
Hey thank you I will work through those suggestions. Also good to hear it can happen. Yeah I saw the spam update rolled out. I have been all over it, first it is not my style etc and second I keep tight control of any links within it. I appreciate all those suggestions. Tim
The same happened to me. On Saturday, my website had only 14 Google impressions (it was around 900 the day before). Today there were 38 google impressions with 1 click. I checked the queries that lost a lot of impressions, as you suggested here. The first pages have Reddit, Quora, Quizlet, and Tapas Forum. Could the traffic loss be due to the fact that I didn't post consistently? As a beginner, I made the mistake of creating two websites and not having enough time for both. I don't want to give up on this website, I hope the traffic will come back.
I'm sorry you have had the hassle though thanks for telling me I was not imagining Saturday:)
I have a new website so the impressions are around 90-100. so last week Wednesday it was 105, and Thursday 38, and from Friday till this Monday was 0 impressions, but Tuesday and yesterday I got 1 impression...
Something has swept us all then, or at least a lot of us. If any consolation mine has recovered somewhat since yesterday so keep an eye on it
Wait for others' responses, but I wonder if you are getting hit with a Google algorithm change, perhaps?
Jeff
Thanks I have seen the above one and in the meantime saw a spam rollout finished Friday. As Partha says they don't always get it right. The site is not anything that uses spam etc and within any guidelines on that so I have to check through his suggestions.
See more comments
Can your google rankings tank site down?
Hello, Saturday the site went down. Max 24 hr before restored by WA. Until then the 400 posts in my niche did well, 50% ish, top 4 results, SEO still shows 79/100. Once up agai
In addition to what others have said, anything is possible.
I see you noting scores in your content question, a very good score is between 60 and 80. For best results, you should aim for 70 and above.. These are just guidelines, however it should not replace quality content however both can be achieved.
It gives you a more in-depth analysis into your optimization efforts
https://helpinghandaffiliate.com/why-all-in-ones-seo-score-doesnt-really-affect-seo/
I appreciate the thought. Yeah all is green and 79 overall in All in One so the devil is in the detail. I don't operate anything like spam and I restrict links rigidly in the comments. I just found the first post not affected and still page 1 so at least that is encouraging. I'll follow through on the suggestions and I appreciate the advice and the link.
No worries, that may be worth a read here, a new blog post by Kyle Are You Present in Your Business? (Google Knows)
Hey Tim,
You've probably been hit by one of the Google Algorithm updates, more specifically the "spam update" that was rolled out last week.
That said, Google doesn't always get these things right.
For me, it appears that Google is "chasing" AI content produced sites, "thin" affiliate content, and those who create spammy backlinks.
However, as I say, Google doesn't always get it right.
Case in point, I have spoken to many people pver the past 2 months, and so many have been hit.
I myself have lost over 100,000 MONTHLY visitors on one site... yep, you read that right.
Just because you have no MANUAL PENALTY showing in Google Search Console, doesn't mean you haven't been hit by an algorithm update.
In fact, I have just had to disavow over 400 spammy backlinks pointing to this site.
What you can do is to compare Google Search Console stats for this past 7 days to the previous 7 days.
So, do a search for last 7 days and look at the QUERIES (remember every article you write typically ranks for 100s of keywords), avg position, but especially IMPRESSIONS.
Then do a CUSTOM SEARCH for the pervious 7-day period, i.e. 14th Oct- 20th Oct.
Can you see a difference in IMPRESSIONS and the the QUERIES that you are now ranking for?
What has happened in the latest update is that many people have completely lost rankings on certain keywords.
As an example:
You have a blog post that ranks for 50 keywords, and each keyword produces 3 visitors per day.
That article receives 150 visitors per day.
After the latest Google update, suddenly Google deems that you aren't relevant enough for 45 of those keywords, so you COMPLETELY LOSE rankings for them. This same article is now only receiving 15 visitors per day.
This is about the size of it, and many, many, many people have experienced this in the last couple of months.
The best thing to do is to read through Google's Spam Policies (just Google it).
However, you also want to check Google Search Console to see which keywords you have "lost" rankings for, and then check page one of Google for those queries to see what's ranking.
What types of articles? (list, informational, product review, how to, etc.)
How many words?
How many subheadings?
What type of media? images, infographics, videos, etc.
You should also check your backlink profile in Google Search Console under LINKS.
Actually click on the links and go to those websites.
What do you see?
Do they seem legit?
Are there 100s of links on every article?
Do the articles even make sense?
The main thing is NOT TO PANIC if you have been hit by an update, as most often you can bounce back.
This typically happens at the next CORE update, which is due in November/December.
That said, it can also take even longer, perhaps the next core update in May 2023, or even the one after that.
The one thing you NEVER want to see with a website is a gradual, slow decline in traffic.
This can often spell the end for a websote, regardless of how many years you've put into it.
More often than not, MASSIVE drops in traffic due to an algorithm update will come back even stronger after the next Google Core update.
Partha
Hey thank you I will work through those suggestions. Also good to hear it can happen. Yeah I saw the spam update rolled out. I have been all over it, first it is not my style etc and second I keep tight control of any links within it. I appreciate all those suggestions. Tim
The same happened to me. On Saturday, my website had only 14 Google impressions (it was around 900 the day before). Today there were 38 google impressions with 1 click. I checked the queries that lost a lot of impressions, as you suggested here. The first pages have Reddit, Quora, Quizlet, and Tapas Forum. Could the traffic loss be due to the fact that I didn't post consistently? As a beginner, I made the mistake of creating two websites and not having enough time for both. I don't want to give up on this website, I hope the traffic will come back.
I'm sorry you have had the hassle though thanks for telling me I was not imagining Saturday:)
I have a new website so the impressions are around 90-100. so last week Wednesday it was 105, and Thursday 38, and from Friday till this Monday was 0 impressions, but Tuesday and yesterday I got 1 impression...
Something has swept us all then, or at least a lot of us. If any consolation mine has recovered somewhat since yesterday so keep an eye on it
Wait for others' responses, but I wonder if you are getting hit with a Google algorithm change, perhaps?
Jeff
Thanks I have seen the above one and in the meantime saw a spam rollout finished Friday. As Partha says they don't always get it right. The site is not anything that uses spam etc and within any guidelines on that so I have to check through his suggestions.
See more comments
Hi does anyone know where I can view the policy on what content is allowed on WA? I have been approached to create a starter site and though it is not my thing the possible re
Hello from Nottingham! If you mean as regards the content you add to a website, there is no official written policy. However, I am aware that porn sites cannot be hosted here.
Some adult content is allowed such as sex toys, but nothing graphic or illegal. Always best to check directly with Kyle to be on the safe side.
And be aware that if it does focus on adult content, you will need an age verification gateway to ensure that nobody under age can see it.
Thank you the age verification aspect is on my to do list if I go ahead. It would be not illegal and just in order to market products. I'll clarify as you suggest what graphic is on here because some products could cross the line in a simple review. Still milling it over so your response appreciated. Tim
Hi
Apologies for not understanding it correctly.
I would consult with site support as to what type of site you are hosting prior start, at least then you'd know.
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/websites/support
Hey thanks for the link I saw the tech issues link and scoured around for another I couldn't see which was appropriate. Appreciated, Tim
See more comments
Where can I view the policy on any content restrictions?
Hi does anyone know where I can view the policy on what content is allowed on WA? I have been approached to create a starter site and though it is not my thing the possible re
Hello from Nottingham! If you mean as regards the content you add to a website, there is no official written policy. However, I am aware that porn sites cannot be hosted here.
Some adult content is allowed such as sex toys, but nothing graphic or illegal. Always best to check directly with Kyle to be on the safe side.
And be aware that if it does focus on adult content, you will need an age verification gateway to ensure that nobody under age can see it.
Thank you the age verification aspect is on my to do list if I go ahead. It would be not illegal and just in order to market products. I'll clarify as you suggest what graphic is on here because some products could cross the line in a simple review. Still milling it over so your response appreciated. Tim
Hi
Apologies for not understanding it correctly.
I would consult with site support as to what type of site you are hosting prior start, at least then you'd know.
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/websites/support
Hey thanks for the link I saw the tech issues link and scoured around for another I couldn't see which was appropriate. Appreciated, Tim
See more comments
Hi Folks,
In pushing ahead all is going well, however Firefox and Chrome show all my images, some browsers...in this case...Silk show PNG images sometimes, sometimes not.
Here is a link to test your site for mobile friendly, mine tested fine so I am not sure if you will get a message as to what needs to be done to correct your problem or not, I would think so....try it out and see, I just got this from someone else recently and it works great.
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
Also, I believe some themes are not always set up with mobile compatibility, you have to add it.
Thanks will check it. It is fine, a responsive theme and only happens in certain browsers on select images. Will run that on them.
Kim,
Thanks so much for the test URL, my site was set up and working with mobile quite a bit ago, I forgot about Google's test link, this should really help.
Gary
Tim,
Greetings that is a great question, the .png format is the best format for use online and is recommended as best for mobile devices as well.
The translation of the info from your site to mobile device is theme dependent, so depending on the theme you are using you should be able to adjust your settings for best mobile device display.
I am sorry to be a bit vague, but that is the area you need to address more than likely.
Naturally there are many other variables at work regarding cell towers, signal strength etc. as well.
I hope this does help somewhat, my best,
Gary
Thanks Gary, the confusing thing is all is fine, the theme is responsive, 95% spot on except for certain images. Will look at settings. Appreciated
That's something I didn't know, Gary. I've been converting .png to .jpg thinking I was doing the right thing. Thanks for today's lesson. ~Marion
Marion,
Glad I could help, while .jpg are ideal for the eyes they are very large in comparison to a .png and with a .png you have better control as they have no background here is a site that lightly explains the formats a bit better
http://www.sitepoint.com/gif-png-jpg-which-one-to-use/
Gary
See more comments
Are png files a problem for some browsers?
Hi Folks,
In pushing ahead all is going well, however Firefox and Chrome show all my images, some browsers...in this case...Silk show PNG images sometimes, sometimes not.
Here is a link to test your site for mobile friendly, mine tested fine so I am not sure if you will get a message as to what needs to be done to correct your problem or not, I would think so....try it out and see, I just got this from someone else recently and it works great.
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
Also, I believe some themes are not always set up with mobile compatibility, you have to add it.
Thanks will check it. It is fine, a responsive theme and only happens in certain browsers on select images. Will run that on them.
Kim,
Thanks so much for the test URL, my site was set up and working with mobile quite a bit ago, I forgot about Google's test link, this should really help.
Gary
Tim,
Greetings that is a great question, the .png format is the best format for use online and is recommended as best for mobile devices as well.
The translation of the info from your site to mobile device is theme dependent, so depending on the theme you are using you should be able to adjust your settings for best mobile device display.
I am sorry to be a bit vague, but that is the area you need to address more than likely.
Naturally there are many other variables at work regarding cell towers, signal strength etc. as well.
I hope this does help somewhat, my best,
Gary
Thanks Gary, the confusing thing is all is fine, the theme is responsive, 95% spot on except for certain images. Will look at settings. Appreciated
That's something I didn't know, Gary. I've been converting .png to .jpg thinking I was doing the right thing. Thanks for today's lesson. ~Marion
Marion,
Glad I could help, while .jpg are ideal for the eyes they are very large in comparison to a .png and with a .png you have better control as they have no background here is a site that lightly explains the formats a bit better
http://www.sitepoint.com/gif-png-jpg-which-one-to-use/
Gary
See more comments
Hi Folks,
I have a marketing plan and it involves self publishing to Kindle. I am HTML dumb. I downloaded Kindles own mobi conversion program, Childrens Book Creator becau
Try Open Office - Write (One can make hypertext menus etc), then convert to .pdf.
I saw mention that Verdana is the suggested font and Letter is the suggested page size to use, for e-readers, Good luck!
Thank you I saw that about Verdana as one of the things that might make it easier, so that ties in nicely. Appreciated
I'm having issues with my book but I think I have it figured out now, and I'm using the Kids' Book Creator. The way around the font size is to save your Word document as a PDF. The graphics stay put, the font stays put - you do have to use the popup text but that is easy enough to do without KBC. If you are using a non-standard font you will have to download the font file (like Google fonts). Then when you are done creating your book it will convert if for you and create a folder with all the text, fonts, images, etc. Compress that folder (right-click and Send to... Compressed File) and THAT is what you upload to KDP.
Because with a lot of pictures I tried to use other programs and couldn't figure out how to make it work... if you can, you have other options. :)
Wow I am in your debt. I have found it the most frustrating experience so far. Normally I can figure small glitches out, but maintaining the magazine style layout of my work and getting it up there I founnd very difficult. It is like being at sea in an old boat, you fix one thing and as soon as you relax up springs another leak. I'll follow that to the letter and also look at SKC's advice as well. Appreciated, Tim
I agree, it has been an extremely frustrating process for me as well. I thought writing the book was going to be the hard part and the process of publication would be simple. At least it will all be sorted out going forward... good luck, and if I can help let me know.
Writer2EPub works from open office.
Most people use open office to write their kindle books. I think it is because the Writer2EPub add on makes the process simple.
Also Open Office is free, updates regularly for free, and unlike M$Office, which when it eventually updates, costs yet more $$$!
Except for my OS I have changed over most of my M$oft to Open Source, and I feel happy to donate (but at non rip off prices!) to them from time to time.
See more comments
What is the best kindle conversion program to publish there?
Hi Folks,
I have a marketing plan and it involves self publishing to Kindle. I am HTML dumb. I downloaded Kindles own mobi conversion program, Childrens Book Creator becau
Try Open Office - Write (One can make hypertext menus etc), then convert to .pdf.
I saw mention that Verdana is the suggested font and Letter is the suggested page size to use, for e-readers, Good luck!
Thank you I saw that about Verdana as one of the things that might make it easier, so that ties in nicely. Appreciated
I'm having issues with my book but I think I have it figured out now, and I'm using the Kids' Book Creator. The way around the font size is to save your Word document as a PDF. The graphics stay put, the font stays put - you do have to use the popup text but that is easy enough to do without KBC. If you are using a non-standard font you will have to download the font file (like Google fonts). Then when you are done creating your book it will convert if for you and create a folder with all the text, fonts, images, etc. Compress that folder (right-click and Send to... Compressed File) and THAT is what you upload to KDP.
Because with a lot of pictures I tried to use other programs and couldn't figure out how to make it work... if you can, you have other options. :)
Wow I am in your debt. I have found it the most frustrating experience so far. Normally I can figure small glitches out, but maintaining the magazine style layout of my work and getting it up there I founnd very difficult. It is like being at sea in an old boat, you fix one thing and as soon as you relax up springs another leak. I'll follow that to the letter and also look at SKC's advice as well. Appreciated, Tim
I agree, it has been an extremely frustrating process for me as well. I thought writing the book was going to be the hard part and the process of publication would be simple. At least it will all be sorted out going forward... good luck, and if I can help let me know.
Writer2EPub works from open office.
Most people use open office to write their kindle books. I think it is because the Writer2EPub add on makes the process simple.
Also Open Office is free, updates regularly for free, and unlike M$Office, which when it eventually updates, costs yet more $$$!
Except for my OS I have changed over most of my M$oft to Open Source, and I feel happy to donate (but at non rip off prices!) to them from time to time.
See more comments
I have been approached by a UK customer who wants to use the same name in the UK as a firm in the USA. The only difference would be .co.uk instead of .com.
I think this is
I agree with you, I think it is a bad idea that could possibly open the door to trouble. It wouldn't be that difficult to modify the name somewhat! Christa
Thank you again, do appreciate you shouting me. That does it. From you and Zin I will push her to change it at least a bit.
Hmmm, tough call, and really comes down to personal preference. I agree with you though, wouldn't hurt to stand out, and change it up a bit.
Thanks, yeah it is a bit of a tough one the name was thought up independently and is available but I am in your gang. I was 70% against you made it 80%:)
See more comments
Is having a similar name online a bad thing?
I have been approached by a UK customer who wants to use the same name in the UK as a firm in the USA. The only difference would be .co.uk instead of .com.
I think this is
I agree with you, I think it is a bad idea that could possibly open the door to trouble. It wouldn't be that difficult to modify the name somewhat! Christa
Thank you again, do appreciate you shouting me. That does it. From you and Zin I will push her to change it at least a bit.
Hmmm, tough call, and really comes down to personal preference. I agree with you though, wouldn't hurt to stand out, and change it up a bit.
Thanks, yeah it is a bit of a tough one the name was thought up independently and is available but I am in your gang. I was 70% against you made it 80%:)
See more comments
In addition to what others have said, anything is possible.
I see you noting scores in your content question, a very good score is between 60 and 80. For best results, you should aim for 70 and above.. These are just guidelines, however it should not replace quality content however both can be achieved.
It gives you a more in-depth analysis into your optimization efforts
https://helpinghandaffiliate.com/why-all-in-ones-seo-score-doesnt-really-affect-seo/
I appreciate the thought. Yeah all is green and 79 overall in All in One so the devil is in the detail. I don't operate anything like spam and I restrict links rigidly in the comments. I just found the first post not affected and still page 1 so at least that is encouraging. I'll follow through on the suggestions and I appreciate the advice and the link.
No worries, that may be worth a read here, a new blog post by Kyle Are You Present in Your Business? (Google Knows)