Google PageRank Update for the New Year!

Just like last year, Google is pushed out a New Years PageRank Update. In Mid December SEroundtable.com reported PageRank shifts or penalties, and now there are widespread reports of a PageRank update in the Google Toolbar.

Toolbar Pagerank was last updated in October, and even though many SEO’s look at it as a badge of honor, its always lagging behind, does not determine ranking, and too many people obsess over it.

Then again, for those who saw their Pagerank Toolbar go up, congrats. Highlyrelevant.com’s is now a Pagerank of 3!

SEO Tips from Adam Lasnik of Google

Adam Lasnik, Search Evangelist at Google got interviewed recently by Webmaster forums guide Jayan Tharayil. In this interview Adam discusses lot about general webmaster tips and good practices in this interview.

He talks about -
1. Focus on original and compelling content as the foundation of your site.
2. Put the core content and navigation of your site in text rather than graphics or Flash.
3. Link thoughtfully. Link to sites you trust and respect.
4. Test your site on multiple browsers, including on mobile phones.
5. Don’t be fooled into paying for guaranteed Google rankings.
6. Take advantage of the free online resources at Google Webmaster Central.
7. Get attention and respect for your site by responsibly participating in online communities.
8. Protect your site and its visitors. Update your blog/site software to prevent hacking.
9. Use succinct and distinct title tags and image “alt attributes” to help users and Google understand your site’s content
10. Focus on your passions and your users – then traffic and revenue should follow.

Adam is an excellent speaker, an great person to meet and its surprising how excited he is (always) to answer questions on Google and SEO. Check out the video, its one of the best I’ve seen form Adam.

Straight from Google: What You Need to Know About SEO

Thanks to Matt Cutts, there is better info on SEO out in the universe. I love how he has offered the presentation to the public and even allowed his actual powerpoint deck to be downloaded.

If you want to know what I know, browse the slideshow and watch the presentation when you have time.

Google Now Allows Webmasters to Specify Preferred URL’s

Carpe diem on any duplicate content worries: we now support a format that allows you to publicly specify your preferred version of a URL. If your site has identical or vastly similar content that’s accessible through multiple URLs, this format provides you with more control over the URL returned in search results. It also helps to make sure that properties such as link popularity are consolidated to your preferred version.
Official Google Webmaster Central Blog: Specify your canonical