7 replies to this topic

[seoRank]

Hello members,

Although a little late in the day, I invite your comments on 2 articles published on the Google Florida Algo Update.

Article - 1 : www.seorank.com/google-florida-update.htm- Google Florida Update Overview - Published 13th Dec 2003

Article - 2 : www.seorank.com/analysis-of-hilltop-algorithm.htm- Google Florida Update Analysis - Publised 19th Dec 2003

Comments appreciated.

[qwerty]

I've only read the second article so far, since it includes an overview of the first and I'm not fully awake yet.

I think you've done a good job of debunking some of what you (and I) consider to be the myths that have sprung up in response to this algo change. But I notice you don't mention either TSPR or CIRCA. I personally think that elements of those technologies, along with Hilltop, are in use.

[bwelford]

IMHO, seoRank, I believe there are two important factors in the Florida Update.

The most important is the switch from keyword searching to "meaning" searching. This is what qwerty is referring to. It stems from the Google acquisition of Applied Semantics in April 2003. It is Google's major effort in trying to continually improve the relevancy of its search process for the average searcher.

The other important factor is covered very completely in your papers. It is Google's attempt to stop getting worse under the onslaught of spamming websites. It means that links from authoritative web pages are very much more valuable.

How well Google achieves its objectives remains to be seen. It will be fascinating to watch the competitive environment in the run-up to the Google IPO.

[brianzajac]

Let's talk a little about relevancy. I've got a client right now that is a psychologist. We've optimized his site for "mental health". He creates articles about mental health like eating disorders or anger management. And, over time, I see others linking to his articles. So, the SEO is relevant for this new algorhythmn, right?

Secondly, will this mental health site pick up 'Expert Documents' if they are being referenced from forums and such? If this isn't so, how can we create a system that works best with the new hilltop algorhythmn?

[BrianR]

The most important is the switch from keyword searching to "meaning" searching.

Barry & Bob

Is this what was once known as 'theming' a site or is it something different altogether??

BrianR

[qwerty]

I'd say so. The CIRCA technology deals with understanding words within context, and understanding relationships between words and concepts by sort of mapping them out. For example "refrigerator" is closer to "kitchen" than it is to "car".

So if stemming can be extended to that (which is a lot of extending) then "appliance" "refrigerator" "oven" "sink" and "kitchen" are all connected. And the presence of all of those words would give the SE a great deal more knowledge about a site than just a list of words.

If this is what they're doing, I don't see it working very well yet, but if the algo can improve itself over time as it's supposed to it could make things very interesting.

[BrianR]

Thanks for the explanation, Bob.

And yes, I agree - theming will make things very interesting - SEO copywriting will simultaneously become a lot more complex but also more natural - should be fun!

BrianR

[t49]

The main cause of the difficulty,that they are having tuning Florida,is the spammy sites that they have to work with.
Garbage In=Garbage Out

They need:
1-sofware presort. ... to weed out the stinkiest garbage.
2-human presort. .. to see if site is what it claims to be,and meets basic quality requirements.
3-resort of approved/pre-sorted sites.

approved sites can then skip steps 1 and 2,during updates of database,and go straight to step 3,except for spotchecks.

Huge penalties [ penalties that hurt! ] for abusers.

on that cheerful note ... Happy Holidays!
Tom

Edited by t49, 24 December 2003 - 10:46 PM.