Google is in the process of doing an update of its algorithm. Each major update is given a name by the guys at Webmaster World and this one is called Jagger. The update has been rolled out in three phases with jagger3 still brewing.
When searching for '<city name> florist' and 'florist <city name>' the last few days, I see weight primarily given to
1) older sites with good external on-topic links
2) directories
3) sites using heavy interior linking
Have you searched Google using your shop's keywords today? Are WS affiliates with doorway pages placing higher than your relevant site? Want to let Google know? Here's how.
Click on http://www.google.com/contact/spamreport.html . Fill in the boxes by copying and pasting the information from the page and site you want to report.
Here's an example for a number of the results on the first page of 'los angeles florist':
Exact query - los angeles florist
Resulting Google page - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=los+angeles+florist
The specific web page or site that is misbehaving: pick one by right clicking and selecting 'copy shortcut'. Paste the link in the box.
Type(s) of problem (check all that apply):
Only select the boxes that apply. If you aren't sure, PM me and I'll try to help. Hint: a number of the results on the LA page use repeated words and are city-specific doorway pages.
Additional Details: Type 'jagger3' (without the quotes) on the first line. Then - in very simple terms - describe the issue. Here's an example:
Do not launch into rants, use incendiary language or promote your own site. Do not report companies unless you can document their misbehavior. Do not expect to see results right away (although one of the particularly bad sites I reported this weekend has disappeared completely from the target SERP for now.) :>:
Report one spammy site at a time unless you see multiple pages or related sites on the same or adjacent pages.
Just a reminder that it's not enough to just file spam reports. Resolve to work at getting relevant inbound links to your own site so Google knows you're a florist that sells flowers and delivers in your city.
When searching for '<city name> florist' and 'florist <city name>' the last few days, I see weight primarily given to
1) older sites with good external on-topic links
2) directories
3) sites using heavy interior linking
Have you searched Google using your shop's keywords today? Are WS affiliates with doorway pages placing higher than your relevant site? Want to let Google know? Here's how.
Click on http://www.google.com/contact/spamreport.html . Fill in the boxes by copying and pasting the information from the page and site you want to report.
Here's an example for a number of the results on the first page of 'los angeles florist':
Exact query - los angeles florist
Resulting Google page - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=los+angeles+florist
The specific web page or site that is misbehaving: pick one by right clicking and selecting 'copy shortcut'. Paste the link in the box.
Type(s) of problem (check all that apply):
Only select the boxes that apply. If you aren't sure, PM me and I'll try to help. Hint: a number of the results on the LA page use repeated words and are city-specific doorway pages.
Additional Details: Type 'jagger3' (without the quotes) on the first line. Then - in very simple terms - describe the issue. Here's an example:
Go to other city searches and copy the affiliate's links and paste specific examples like I did above.
Do not launch into rants, use incendiary language or promote your own site. Do not report companies unless you can document their misbehavior. Do not expect to see results right away (although one of the particularly bad sites I reported this weekend has disappeared completely from the target SERP for now.) :>:
Report one spammy site at a time unless you see multiple pages or related sites on the same or adjacent pages.
Just a reminder that it's not enough to just file spam reports. Resolve to work at getting relevant inbound links to your own site so Google knows you're a florist that sells flowers and delivers in your city.
