You may or may not have heard that Google has recently changed their search algorithm. To be honest, Google is always making little tweaks to their search algorithm. This time, however, it's a pretty big change that affects nearly 12% of all websites out there (roughly 13 million out of 110+ million).

Normally we search engine optimizers are pretty wary and nervous when a change this large gets implemented with little or no warning. In this case, however, most professional optimizers are very happy with the recent changes.

What has Google changed?

Basically, Google has changed the way search engine results are delivered to a user. Websites that have recycled content, stole content from other websites, or simply relied on link-building campaigns or black-hat SEO tactics to get higher results in the search engines are finally being punished for their "crimes". These websites tried to cheat the system by coming up with fake content (sometimes even auto-generated) in order to get better search results and larger amounts of traffic. In other words, Google is cracking down on low-quality websites that are not truly relevant or helpful to a person using their search engine. As an SEO expert, I can tell you that this has been a long time coming.

How does the Google algorithm change affect SEO?

The best part of all of this is that the folks that were doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing from the start do not have to do anything different. If you are emphasizing good, quality content on your website that is as helpful as possible to your visitors, then you don't have to worry at all. In fact, you may see your website move up a few positions in the search results. In the past few days I have seen many websites that I have personally optimized gain significant ground in various search results.

I was a bit worried that I might have to change something in my do it yourself SEO guide about Google optimization, but the truth is that the book has never been more relevant. I really tried to do my best to emphasize white-hat, ethical and quality search engine optimization techniques in my book, and it feels great that Google is acknowledging and rewarding honest and ethical SEO tactics.

Have any questions about Google's recent changes to their search engine algorithm? Let me know and I'll do my absolute best to help you out and answer your question.