Following Panda (a Google-built algorithm) the most recent update to Google’s search engine algorithm roster, Penguin, all but erases “black hat” techniques. This algorithm puts tighter guidelines on web site optimization and adjusts a number of web spam factors including keyword stuffing, cloaking, unnatural links and content spinning.

Packing long lists of keywords is nothing new and even used to be considered legitimate, but a recent Forbes article revealed that techniques like these are now actively being punished by Google in the form of bumping traffic hogging sites lower on their search results list.

So how does this affect web sites that offer SEO solutions?

Effective use of keywords and quality content is still of the utmost importance, but hype generated by social media sites has become critical since Google decided to place emphasis on social media likes, shares, tweets, Reddits, and 1+ (Google’s obvious favorite.)

While the claim that SEO is dead is a bit of a stretch, the search engine landscape is undoubtedly changing. This means that your web solutions provider must believe in constant advancement, robust research, and dedication to staying ahead of the curve.