Florida Update: Maybe Froogle, not AdWords

Is this a possible theory?

[pleeker]

In reading other comments and theories on the Florida update, and what appears to be a new emphasis on information sites over commerce sites, I've seen many people theorize something along these lines: Google may be wanting the free listings to be non-commerce, and the commerce sites would 'surround' them via paid AdWords advertising.

I don't buy into that at all. But I do wonder if perhaps there's a related thing at work here.

Froogle has been in Beta for some time now. We know THAT is where commerce sites, sites selling products, will have their sites found, their products listed, etc. At some point soon, Froogle must come out of Beta....

Is it possible that the Florida update, if indeed there's a real switch to emphasizing information sites over commerce sites in the main listings, will be followed up by the addition of a Froogle tab, pointing searchers there for shopping queries instead of to the main listings?

I've tried my best to stay on top of all the Florida-related discussion, but 5,000 or so posts is a bit much ... apologies if this has been discussed already.

[yonnermark]

I'm seriously considering doing the following tonight:

* remove all references to the fact that my site has things for sale

* Change the text word "price" for an image saying "price"

* Replace "£" and "$" with images showing the same thing

* Instead of "price", either use an image or use "amount" or "available for"

My keyword density is apparently too high also so I'm gonna sort that out too. I need to get back into the natural serps for my keywords. The trouble is, there are still plenty of sites in the natural results who have clear references to having things for sale. So I dunno what to do really.

Maybe JUST sorting out my keyword-density would help. It would be more scientific if I only change one thing at a time right?

thanks for any thoughts you want to share about this
Mark

[Powdork]

Yeah, if it keeps up like this, the page I serve Google will have an image logo everywhere I used to spell my company's name.

[Powdork]

Oops, forgot my reply to the original question. If they were trying to help froogle their sword was too big. None of the products (services in most cases) in mt area are eligible to be on froogle.

[edited by: Powdork at 7:02 pm (utc) on Dec. 4, 2003]

[weblamer2]

I hope not.

Our company works on a quotes based system.. we do not show prices because the market changes from week to week. Easier for people to call and find out.

if this is the case then im out of both froogle and google.

bleh

[anime_otaku]

I personally been thinking of people switching to no alt defined images or blank alts for navigation links instead of simple text menus to maybe prevent oop from within domain links.

just a guess.

[ronin]

Yonnermark:

I'm seriously considering doing the following tonight:
* remove all references to the fact that my site has things for sale

The distinction between 'commercial' and 'non-commercial' sites is hazy at best, not least when there are hybrid sites which are every shade of gray inbetween. The changes are across the board: information sites have been as much affected by the latest update as every other kind of site.

[yonnermark]

The changes are across the board: information sites have been as much affected by the latest update as every other kind of site

Thanks. I'm not up to speed on all the latest florida findings and theories. I guess for now I'll just try and sort out keyword density and take it from there.

I'm thankful that my line of business doesn't rely on high numbers of sales every day. I sell high cost items which I only need to sell 1 or 2 of per month to be doing well. eBay helps with that so things aren't so bad for me.