How to Get Traffic to Your Blog Without Being Penalized by Google

Posted: 22 Feb 2014 10:49 AM PST

Although changing Google algorithms have long posed problems for those trying to optimize a website or blog to increase their ranking and traffic, the truth is that Google has not really stopped you from finding ways to gain the recognition your noteworthy site deserves. Of course, these days they’ve really cracked down on black hat and gray hat SEO practices. While linking schemes used to be a more or less acceptable means of bringing in traffic and tricking the search bots, it has basically become a no-no as Google attempts to ensure that their users are getting the high-quality links they’re looking for. But there are still plenty of ways for bloggers on the up-and-up to increase their online presence, get more traffic, and do it all without raising the ire of the almighty Google. Here are just a few ways to protect yourself from delisting when you optimize to reach your audience.

Your best bet is to understand Google’s rules so that you can make sure you’re playing by them. You might not be keen to read through their latest algorithms since their Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide is 32 pages long, and that’s just the beginning of the guidelines you’ll need to follow in order to remain in compliance. But if you want the best opportunity to use Google search to your advantage, you really need to know what you’re doing and make sure your practices are in keeping with what they expect. While you can certainly come back from being delisted, it could take months to repair the damage and regain your footing with Google, so it’s best to do all you can to keep your blog out of trouble.

Once you’ve read through the guidelines you’ll see that it’s not that difficult to stay on the right side of Google. All they really want is to ensure that when you make your way to the top of a list for specific search terms, you’re actually the best resource; the one their users are looking for. So the place to start is by creating a blog that offers readers the quality content they crave. This means that if you use trending keywords, they actually pertain to your subject matter. And your content should be informative, accurate, and engaging. In other words, if Google lists you as the best in your category, you’d better be darn good.

You’ll also want to secure high-quality links. Unfortunately, linking has gained a pretty bad reputation due to the vast number of linking schemes that were happening before Penguin launched in 2012, leading numerous sites to be delisted for their offenses. But link-building is still a valid means of raising your numbers, so long as your links carry the weight of other reputable websites. Whether you list with respected directories, you pen articles for other notable blogs in exchange for link-back, or you diversify your searchable keywords, using the right type of links is essential to avoiding Google penalties.

Of course, there have been some instances in which virtually innocent sites have been punished. In this case you would probably have to hire a group like Penalty Pros to plead your case and get you back on track. But for the most part, understanding and following Google’s guidelines will give you the information and tools you need to increase traffic without risking excommunication by the seemingly omnipotent search giant.