Google Tricks

Some people spend a lot of time looking for what one might call "Google tricks." These are sleight of hand maneuvers to help them rank higher in the search engines or to shortcut the work involved in building an honest online business.

Also known as black hat techniques (or even grey hat), these are techniques that take advantage of Google's technology and tools for personal gain. Google's search engine is relentlessly gamed, engaging Google in a constant battle to outwit or eliminate these gamers.

There are definitely bad guys out there (ever get a virus by just clicking on a link?) but, realize Google does bring on some evil behavior, themselves. For one thing, they don't consistently enforce their guidelines. Instead of creating a stable environment with clear, understandable rules and procedures, it produces an environment of uncertainty.

We've all been in situations either at work, at home or in other groups where the "rules" were only applied to some, but not everyone. The lack of clarity and unfairness creates negative dynamics in the group. It certainly doesn't resolve misdeeds, yet elicits heavier rules and penalties by the leaders.

Google also prohibits communication. If you've ever asked a truly honest question of Google, you will never receive a direct response from the company about it. If you receive any response at all, it will be a canned reply. Requesting help in the Google forum is often met with confusing, unfriendly and inflammatory responses.

One of the most famous Google tricks of all time is the Google bomb. It is regarded by many as a prank. But the Site Build It! Scam Google bomb was no prank. It was a careful, viciously inspired maneuver to gain market share. It was openly admitted to in front of thousands and despite being properly reported with detailed evidence AND an admission, Google refuses to make any manual adjustments to defuse the bomb. Meanwhile, its algorithm continues to miss time and time again. So the Google bomb continues.

A Google bomb is an intentional abuse of Google's technology, but sometimes Google tricks are accidental. For example, someone could create a website with gusto and work very hard on it. Along the way, they mistakenly apply a technique taught over the Internet and don't even know they are doing anything wrong. Weeks or months go by until one day they receive a penalty. Their hard work goes down the drain and so does their income.

The solution to situations like this is NOT to go all out searching for new Google tricks to eliminate the penalty. The real way to deal with something like this is to honestly and ruthlessly examine each and every age of your site, upgrading and improving until you find the error.

If you are devoted to Google tricks or are on a hunt to learn them, your time and energy would be much better spent in learning honest site/business building techniques from trusted sources. Then put your efforts into doing the best you can do. Those types of activities will have a very positive effect on your business performance, your income and your online future.