The web is abuzz with speculations after Google implemented a new algorithm for indexing websites and web pages. More specifically, the new algorithm targets the so-called content farms or websites that churn out low quality and useless content to game the search engines. The recent changes obviously have a big impact on some search engine optimization strategies. More specifically, SEO experts are not sure anymore if it is worthwhile to build backlinks using known content farms such as article directories, content hubs, and large scale blog networks.

In the past, building backlinks through article directories is one of the most effective SEO strategies to boost the search engine exposure of your website. But with the recent algorithm change, some of the most popular article directories and content hubs have been hit by as much as 60 percent drop in search engine traffic. So if your search engine optimization strategy is relying heavily on article marketing, your website might also suffer from a sudden drop in search engine traffic. And if you are using rehashed articles, scraped content, and PLRs for your blog or website, then Google might slap you with a content farm penalty. Instead of higher search engine exposure, you might find your website on page 10 of Google’s search result. [Read the rest of this entry...]