The oft debated Google search ranking algorithm Panda has changed the game for many websites and content writers. The algorithm rewards sites that update their content regularly, along with sites with interesting and useful information, whilst it punishes sites that lay untended and contain pages of duplicated content. The sites who are being hit by the negative effects of the algorithm the hardest are those who use affiliates to help to market and sell their services.</p> <p>Ranking penalties</p> <p>If affiliates are looking to mimic the sites of their parent company by using the same, or similar content on their sites, they could incur a ranking penalty, seeing them slide down Google’s pages. The latest algorithm update focuses on user experience, and a site that repeats vast quantities of information from another site will not be doing a great deal to offer an enhanced user experience. Jeff Slipko, online marketing expert suggests that “if an affiliate doesn’t add value to their site beyond what the supplier provides, they could see a negative effect to their page ranking through Panda’s criteria.”</p> <p>Red flags</p> <p>According to Slipko, content simply lifted from another site will be a “huge red flag,” offering little to enhance a user’s experience. Retelling the story, from a suitable angle to suit the needs of the business and their client base is likely to yield much better results. Checking visitor figures and Google’s guidelines will help to see if your site is affected.<br />