Trying to Please Google

and dealing with its mood swings...

[shopkeeper]

When I first opened my web site I had couple of sentences on my page along with cheap graphics. I was number 6 on Google for my most important keyword.

Then I started reading about Search Engine Optimization, keyword density, and all the scientific stuff. I polished META tags and agonized over every coma and period.

I started dropping to 12, 15, 30, 46... Now I am 64. There are web sites placing higher than mine, that have no business being ahead of me. How is that possible?

I don't have hidden text, or mindless keyword repetitions. Is there something I'm doing that is against Google's rules? Something that causes me to be penalized? How would I know?

Oh, Google, how I want you to be happy with me!

[chiyo]

To me, for Google, the simpler the better. While SEO'ing your site did you make it more positive.

Your description of your original site - "a couple of sentences on my page along with cheap graphics" sounds like just about the perfect site to rank well in google.