Google Search team has announced a change in Algorithm that would impact websites with high Ad/Content ratio. According to the Search Team, this tweak would allow sites that are content rich to rank better than sites that have too many ads above the fold.
Google has also clarified that it won’t affect publishers that use leaderboard and right sidebar Ad above the fold of the page. This move is targeted for websites that use too many Ads above the fold, before the actual content can be seen.
What is above the fold?
Above the fold in a webpage is the visible area in your webpage without scrolling.
How will I know whether the Ads above the fold are impacting the visitors?
1) Go to your Google Analytics
2) Click Audience->Technology->Browser and OS
3) Click Screen Resolutions
4) Find the top 5 screen resolutions of your visitors
Example: In ByteFive’s case it would be:
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How will you know whether you have too many Ads?
1) Once you have the top 5 screen resolutions, visit Browser Size Tool or add one of the Chrome Screen Resolution Plugins
2) Test how your page looks in the top 5 resolutions
What is the impact of the change?
This tweak in the algorithm is expected to affect 1% of searches, globally. Since the tweak is algorithmic, a change in page layout can help you retain your position is SERPs
If you want expert help in checking screen resolution for your top visitors, contact us or you can call us at: India (Ph): +91 9497189032, UK (Ph): +44 (0)20-3371-9976 or US (Ph): +1 650-491-0004
ByteFive provides Internet Marketing Services(Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Develop processes and best practices for Internet Marketing, Manage and Analyze Web Analytics packages, Perform Landing page Optimization, Manage E-Mail Newsletter, Perform Competitor Research, Content Creation and Marketing) and Training to help you achieve your revenue and business goals.