Google Page Layout Algorithm and Penalty

A new Google algorithm has arrived that examines Web page layouts for excessive ads above the fold, and then penalizes and downgrades those pages in search results. This action is the result of user complaints about Web pages that hide their content beneath rows of ads. Search Engine Roundtable reported on this new ad algorithm.

To help determine if a website is in violation, Google released a special tool that scans page layouts for excessive ads above the fold. While this move demonstrates Google’s commitment to improving content quality, many say it’s hypocritical because Google is violating its own rule while encouraging its Adsense customers to place ads at the top of the page to improve their click-through rate.

For now, Web pages affected by this new algorithm can remove some of their ads to remedy the situation, then simply wait and see how Google proceeds with its algorithm actions.

To learn how search marketing can impact your brand’s results, contact MDG.

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