Every time a new Google update comes out, everyone is quick to point mistakes in the algorithm. With the recent penguin update, there have been several posts showing where it’s failed. Anyone else notice most of those “failures” are in hyper competitive and spammy niches? Isn’t that kind of like looking for garbage in a landfill?
What if Google was Perfect
Have you ever thought about what would happen if Google went full force in niches like Online Poker, Porn, Payday Loans, or Making Money Online? There would be no relevant results.
Google has to allow some leeway in these niches, otherwise no one would find what they were looking for. If you never have, take a peek at all the top gambling sites back link profiles. Finding a bad link is like shooting fish in a barrel. You have to keep in mind though, when someone is searching “online poker”, they want one of those top sites. Enforcing a “clean back link profile” rule means nothing if the user can’t find what they’re looking for.
These niches have become so competitive that it’s nearly impossible to compete without resorting to methods that are equally dubious. That’s why the results for these terms aren’t perfect. Google is attempting to show the best of the worst.
Similarities in the Global Market
You can see some similarities in global SEO. It’s no secret that large algorithm changes lag a little behind in global search, but it’s as if there’s also some leniency. It’s much easier to rank with low hanging fruit links and low quality link building in global.
I originally thought it was because the market isn’t as competitive overseas, but I started seeing competitors ranking very well using linking methods that I consider nearly worthless. For example, one competitor was holding a #1 spot with nothing but directory links.
Conclusion
I by no means think it’s a good idea to use spammy tactics if you’re working in a hyper competitive market: Google will eventually catch up in these areas. However, It’s going to take some time before there’s a level playing field.
