Panda is Rolling

After a Monday filled with rumors and speculation, Google oligarch, Matt Cutts, confirmed what we all suspected via Twitter… Panda 4.0 has arrived.

Historically, each Google algorithm update’s elements have become more evident over time. With Panda 4.0 rolling out, the way that Google ranks search results will change. These algorithm updates aim to maximize the quality of verifiable websites, while deterring sites with poor quality content from an unsubstantiated top rank on Google Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs).

Have you noticed a change in your site traffic yet this week? Similar to previous Panda updates, a “roll out” is exactly that – a gradual process or production change over the next week or two, as opposed to a de facto “release.” As this update continues to roll out, you may begin to notice changes – with each algorithm update, some sites will gain traffic from organic search, while some will lose traffic.

So, what does Panda 4.0 mean to the “everyday” organic optimizer?  It’s a little too early to tell. However, the change is already being felt on a larger scale, especially at a certain multinational Internet corporation you may have heard of (think: the original online auction marketplace). According to Dr. Pete, Marketing Scientist at Moz, eBay dropped out of Moz’s “Big 10” with Panda 4.0’s new ranking system. This was no small stumble – the online auctioneer fell from #6 to #25.

Despite the fact that this is by far the most significant Panda update since August of 2011, the effects of Panda 4.0 won’t be nearly as drastic or dramatic to the masses as they were initially to eBay. Google is also saying that the degree of impact will vary based on language and geography.  Like most everything algorithm-related at Google, the list of what we don’t know is endless. What we do know is they have the end user’s best interest in mind, which is a lot more than most massive corporations or governments can say about why many internal changes are made.

While Panda 4.0 continues to roll out, the updates will become more apparent. In the mean time, stay on top of your website’s analytics to ensure you’re not being negatively affected.

Google may be watching and recording everything we do, but they appear to be doing so with good intentions. Are you looking to revamp your SEO strategy? Is your website optimized? Pyxl can help – check out our SEO capabilities!

Updated: Apr 13, 2022