In an effort to optimize the user experience, our friends at Google have implemented yet another algorithmic change called “Page Layout Algo”. How does this affect you? Well put your seat back and we’ll get right to it:
As with most of Google’s algorithm changes, this alteration aids in the search for content that is relevant to the actual search being performed. We’ve all had the experience of clicking on a search result only to spend the next 5 minutes sifting through ads. The Page Layout Algo seeks to rectify this situation by ranking sites with a low amount of content “above the fold” lower than those that keep their above the fold ad space to a minimum. As a result, users are able to locate the content they’re searching for faster, and with less hassle. Direct and to the point.
Now before you go altering your current layout, you should know that the change does NOT affect the rankings of websites with above the fold ad placement to a “normal degree”. Rather, this alteration seeks to impact sites with excessive ad space, making it difficult to locate the content being searched for. Long story short: you will not be negatively affected by these changes unless your site has a large block of ads pushing down a small portion of relevant content.
Still having doubts? A recent outline from Google states The Page Layout Algo alteration will only affect less than 1% of global searches. If you are considering whether your site makes the grade, take a close look to see whether the pages on your site use above the fold ad space and whether or not the content found on those pages is difficult to locate. For a quick fix, consider utilizing Google’s browser size tool (now part of Google Analytics) to determine how your site is presented to those viewing in alternate screen resolutions. If during your assessment you happen to find issues with your current layout and decide to make changes, the algorithm will assess and reflect them automatically once a re-crawl has been completed.
While above the fold ad placement is a wonderful way to monetize online content, there are ways to realize the benefits without falling victim to Google algorithm updates. If you’re looking for the best way to ensure an engaging user experience while optimizing ad space, your friends at Eminent SEO are here to help! Contact us today to learn more!
I was hit pretty badly by this algorithm and I only have one ad per page. I very much doubt that it only affects 1% of the search result. A few of my website designs have been affected, others haven’t even though they have the same amount of ads.
The algo wasn’t limited to just ads or ad placement alone. Unfortunately Panda and all it’s versions (we are up to 3.3 now) has layers and layers of algo changes that drastically changed search results for millions of websites. Other big variables include: content (freshness, amount and quality), on-page SEO (keyword optimization, technical implementation – like broken links, etc), trust and website authority through manual reviews (think valid phone number, links to managed social accounts, trust accreditations – such as the BBB) and many, many more. Eri – your websites might need a complete overhaul – Panda keeps getting bigger and he is MEAN!