Blog

What is Panda?

This year Google has made 2 major changes to its algorithm. The first to target spammy or scraper sites – websites republishing other people's content on their own site, followed by the larger 'Panda Update.'

Late February, Google launched a substantial algorithm change known as 'Farmer' or 'Panda' aimed at reducing rankings for low-quality pages or websites and providing Google users with higher quality sites. The sites Google have targeted offer text that is relevant for a query, but which may not provide the best user experience. Google calls it a 'high quality sites algorithm.' Strong factors contributing to Panda include content quality and uniqueness, along with the density of advertising on a page. The focus is to create a stellar user experience.

The Like Minds 2011 conference is a 3 day event in Exeter Devon focussed on the latest trends and developments in digital and social media.  A list of over 60 speakers will cover a plethora of topics with an emphasis on practical application and the future of media.

As a follow on from the last post looking at Twitter’s amplification effect and how this can influence a brands presence online, it’s worth covering off a few ‘best practice Twitter tips”.

Do Your Research Before Engaging Customers

Before defining your Twitter strategy take the time to find out how your customers are using Twitter. Do a twitter search to find out what conversations are happening around your brand, product or company.

For some crazy reason I have made the decision to run the London Marathon in April 2012. I will be raising money for the Blue Cross and have a fundraising target of £1,500.

I have set up a website at www.runmickey.org. Alongside my website I have also set up a Twitter account, a Facebook page and a JustGiving page for donations.

I recently entered a blogging competition with On The Beach UK.

I had to write a blog post about saving money on holiday, as well as link to On The Beach within the post. The winner of the competition would win 2 weeks in Cuba all inclusive, and two runners up winning £200 holiday vouchers each.

Considering the value of the prize, I gathered that there’d be at least 100 entrants, so gave myself little chance of winning. Fast forward to Friday afternoon, only 15 bloggers had entered, and being able to see the blog posts, mine was definitely one of the better ones.

I kept checking my Twitter and the On The Beach blog, but seeing nothing. By this time I was feeling so confident I could almost smell the Cuban cigars!

Come 4pm, the results were announced, and I came….second! Joint second, but still second, which isn’t bad considering the winner was a very popular journalist. I’ve also won myself £200 holiday vouchers that can go towards a cracking summer holiday.

Trouble is, I’m quite disappointed. If £200 was first prize, I’d be over the moon. It is, however, merely a consolation prize. Although the competition was very good, I still think I could’ve done that much better.

Disappointment aside, I’m still runner up in a national competition, and for someone who is fairly new to blogging, this is great news for both my future and Organic Development’s.

As for the competition, you can make up your own minds.

A to Z Guide to a Cheaper Trip (My entry)

Holiday Money Saving (winning entry)