Over Optimization Penalty (OOP)

Does over optimization penalty exist? Let's elaborate: Hypothetically, let's say that you own a website that has some search engine ranking, but it's just not quite what you want. So, you tweak your homepage by only modifying your links to include keyword anchor text. (For example, say your homepage is titled AandR.com, and you replaced the anchor text with "Talent Agency"). Suddenly, you notice that not only has your traffic decreased, but the search engine rankings you did have, have disappeared! That is what is called an over optimization penalty.

What happened? That's the first question you're going to be asking yourself. Then you realize that the only changes you made were the modifications to your anchor text in your links. Okay, so you backtrack and change it to its original state. Guess what? Your previous rankings return. Viola!

Another over optimization penalty possibility exists when web developers compose their sites with irrelevant or overcompensated keywords. Rich and linkable content is essential to your overall success. By constructing a website with theme-associated content, allows individuals to optimize their sites for not only search engines, but consumers as well.

Special note : While keywords are critical to your SEO strategy, realize that having too many keywords (see keyword density for more information) can have a negative effect on your search engine optimization campaign.

What about your link resources? Are they relevant to your website? Do you own a link farm; or are you associated with one? Spamdexing is a definite no-no. You may wish to reevaluate these items. If you don't, you risk yet another over optimization penalty.

In the world of SEO, there are many factors to take into consideration. Words to the wise: Assume nothing, research everything, and choose wisely. The more information you gather about search engine optimization and online marketing, the better off your site will be.

While this is a general overview concerning over optimization penalty, feel free to contact us at SEOAdept.com today for more information. We can help!