Weird Google UK Results
So Google UK’s results have been a bit screwy for the last week or so, with a supposed algorithm update taking place. I’ve been keeping an eye on some weirdness happening within the “car insurance” SERP since the update happened:
SEO Checkup @ SMX London 2009
So I’m talking (well, not so much talking, more ripping websites apart) at the forthcoming SMX London on 18/19 May at the Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden. I’m doing the SEO Checkup session on 19th May at 3pm. Also on the same panel are Dixon Jones and Jane Copeland.
Completely Irrelevant Yahoo Search Results
I’ve just noticed a new low for Yahoo’s organic results. I just did a brand search for one of my clients, which consisted purely of the clients name, and the first result wasn’t my client, but Yahoo Chat – wtf!
Egosurfing – A Personal Challenge to Reclaim My SERP
So I was doing some egosurfing lately, and noticed that in the 2-3 years that I left my blog in state of decay my personal SERP has become extremely competitive. I used to rank top for my name in Google UK, but can now only muster 2nd 
How to Determine a Search Engine Penalty
SEO chatter was awash with talk of a GoCompare penalty last week. I didn’t think it was a penalty, and posted my thoughts over at Patrick Altoft’s SEO blog. Here I’m going to talk a little more about why I don’t think it was a penalty, and how to determine whether you have a search engine penalty.
cinema
Tonight I’m going to the cinema. I’ll probably go to the imax sooofer dooofer1, because it’s close to where I live. I love the IMAX poooma doooba2. It has the biggest screen in the UK. And the seats are comfy. But it is expensive. Too expensive in my opinion. In fact, most cinemas in London are very expensive. It’s one of the first things that surprised me when I moved to London. When I lived in Brighton (I lived there for 10 years before moving to London) it cost £6 to go to the cinema. In Brighton, it can cost £15! £15!!! WTF! That means two of you going to the cinema will cost you £30. Sheesh! You’ll be able to buy the film on DVD from Amazon in 6 months for a tenner! I find this incredible. Really incredible. This article written in 2006 shows how expensive cinema’s were back than – that was 6 years ago, and they’re still just as bloody expensive.
Google Adds More Quick Links
Looks like Google are doing more tinkering. It’s all very exciting! They’re updating Page Rank at the moment, and look like they’re rolling out additional links within search results. I’ve highlighted them in the screenshot below
I’m sure I’ve seen these before, but it looks like they’re just rolling them out to a wider audience. With all these changes going on, it’s difficult to fathom how they do any control testing.
Google Semantic Search & Orion Update
Long time no see. I had my first snowboarding 3 weeks ago, and I’ve just found it quite difficult to get back into blogging on my return. I’ve also become addicted to Tweeting, so it feels like I’m much more likely to spend my time commenting there than here. Anyone wanting to follow me, you can find my profile here.
So Google have been busy beavering away lately. First they rolled out “Vince’s Change” in the US (it’s yet to hit Europe apparently), then they rolled out the “Orion Update” that saw changes to SERPs last mid-last week, and then on Friday they started testing the Google Wonder Wheel. And all this just as I was starting to feel there wasn’t much happening in the world of search at the moment. › Continue reading
Random Referring Search Terms
Just checking my Google Analytics, and I’m getting some awesomely random refferals:
- Jonathan Stewart issues – who said I ever had any, apart from the falling asleep issue? And the forgetting stuff.
- Life size smurf – I wish I could get me one of these. I know what you’re thinking though, and it’s not for that reason.
- I always fall asleep in the cinema – see my previous issues. I’m glad I could help someone. Couldn’t actually see the site ranking though
- Searchga.me answers – Goddamn David Naylor – I think I was number 1 for a bit!
- PVC moon smurf – I like this search term a lot
- Dog with diaper – wtf!
This one is so easy
Intriguing SEO game or elaborate link bait. I’m not so sure yet, but it’s late and I’m flummoxed.
Comment here if you know what the answers are, or Tweet #searchgame
SEO
Tweetings
- @Gatwick_Airport My flight is at 7.30 2mrw (checkin at 5.30) is it worth me catching the last train down from London 2nite?
- @dstradewell cheers fella - did it - going 2mrw pending #uksnow
- @Gatwick_Airport I'm flying at 7.30 2mrw morn & airline (Monarch) appears to have no out of hours contact! How do I contact my airline!
- I have a snowboarding question - Val Thoren, La Rosiere, or Meribel? Which is best?
- Dear @amazonuk - some of my Xmas presents haven't arrived as promised. Gonna have some very disappointed people now
- @dannyguk not sure yet - will let u know ASAP tomorrow
- @dannyguk for sure. Can you make it out Rochester way?
- @dannyguk Sounds good? Maybe Xmas eve? Is @eatscake going with you?
- @dannyguk yeah - going home on Saturday. You?
- Beautiful sunrise over London today http://t.co/L8HDLjaS