Google Testing-And Content To Ad Ratio

Google Testing-And Content To Ad Ratio

It looks like another Google algorithm  is being tested. And at the core of the test is, the number and size of the ads that appear "above the fold" on a content page.

Since it is in the test mode, those sites that may be infringing on this new "testing algorithm" will not see the effects, yet. But the fallout could be great if they should put it into effect. And, in my opinion, it's very possible if they are looking to give the viewer a good experience.

The new algorithm will be related to the concept of "ad-to-content ratio". Though this concept is not new, the  the Panda update and it emphasizing quality content/user experience, this is just another piece to the quality issue.

 Cutts was quoted as saying at PubCon, “If you have ads obscuring your content, you might want to think about it,” asking publishers to consider, “Do they see content or something else that’s distracting or annoying?”

Another point I would like to add, and that is the list that was put out by Amit Singal from Google, after the Panda update. If you are not familiar, or have not seen the list that was put out by Google's Fellow Amit Singhal on quality content, there is one question on the list that you need to take notice of, because,more than likely this is what the new algorithm is going be looking at: "Does this article have an excessive amount of ads that distract from or interfere with the main content?"

Okay, in my mind there are more questions than answers. But as you know, Google is not really in the habit of giving you answers, leaving it up to you to figure it out yourself. Which, I might add, you should be doing. That means, taking an objective view of your content to ad ratio. If you have two lines of content and a huge ad, you might have a problem.

Will Google be looking at the size of the ads above the fold and the number of ads above the fold. Probably both. Some sites have a lot of ads above the fold, and I would venture to say that Google would be looking a little closer at those ads. EzineArticles found that to be a problem and had taken steps to improve their ad to content ratio.

Bottom line, webmasters and blogmasters will have to take a step back, be objective, and begin cleaning up their pages. It's a major hassle if you have a lot of pages, but I would venture to say worth the effort if you want your website to be around for awhile.