The new Google index just may stem the slide.

Severe slide in delivery to Google over last 30 days.

[martingj]

Running a site targeting 20 locations and 3-4 services per, I see, after the last catastrophy, a flat structure working. Drawing most relevant page to top, supported by at least one other similar page which would explain that probably Google is trying to force relevant sub-pages.

I think this is very positive for some areas, as for example on some domains / businesses I don't have a real "home" page, just a master hub page, which from a user perspective requires an additional click.

Again from a user perspective this update may do the job. Secondary pages drawn from the same domain at least show near relevant results.

Since the last update I've seen a significant slide from Google native to other engines / sources (G now <55%) which should worry G as punters lost are punters lost, potentially for ever. They may wander to other, presently google powered sources, but these can switch at any time.

Much more significant for me is the dip in conversion rate driven by native G and a surprising strong positive dip from other sources.

I only do "SEO / content" for the users, not the engines. As long as pages are delivered that help answer a users query (and entice them to hunt for their c-card). I don't care who delivers them. If it is G fine but if it becomes xyz ....
The figure for the last 30 days shows that the users will walk away and try out other sources.
They as well as I don't have time to waste.

Delivery of a link page (which is called link.htm and not optimised) is simply not good enough, specifically if other engines can deliver the anticipated results.

GoogleGuy, what would be helpful would be a one click reporting structure for deemed irrelevant results, where the search phrase and the top 10/20 are included with all the bits and pices G may want and are simply send for further analysis, include a couple of tick boxes and nicks from major boards, thus allowing to classify.

Thus, you at G can make a decision on what quality you want to deliver.

I'm afraid it is simply too much bother to remember where and how to send a spam reports and anyway until recently I thought it's an order form for canned meat replacement.

I sincerely hope the new update will stop the slide and keep people using a source that is comprehensive and relatively independent.

M

[europeforvisitors]

Since the last update I've seen a significant slide from Google native to other engines / sources (G now <55%) which should worry G as punters lost are punters lost, potentially for ever. They may wander to other, presently google powered sources, but these can switch at any time...

Isn't it possible that those punters are still punting at Google, but their punts are landing on sites other than yours?

[labris]

I think Google is turning into a "wise guy" from Sherlok Holmes/Dr. Watson joke. Recent updates just created helter scelter and din't help finding what you need a single bit.
If these guys pride on being so exclusive on the web they should take some responsibility and help people understand them better. Otherwise they will loose their influence as people start turning to other search angines.