I'm seriously wondering how they do it. As I write this at the airport (this is scheduled for publication for Wednesday morning), I know that Vanessa and Matt and Adam and a lot of Google's webmasters have been hanging out at SMX. However, today, Barry reported that Google has updated their Webmaster Guidelines.

To my Webmaster Central friends: how did you manage that and why now?! I guess Matt had some time on his hands since his fan base wasn't as big at SMX than at SES. Aww, shucks. I'll be there for ya next time, Matt.

In any event, here are some revised guidelines as posted by Barry:

• Avoid hidden text or hidden links.
• Don't use cloaking or sneaky redirects.
• Don't send automated queries to Google.
• Don't load pages with irrelevant keywords.
• Don't create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content.
• Don't create pages that install viruses, trojans, or other badware.
• Avoid "doorway" pages created just for search engines, or other "cookie cutter" approaches such as affiliate programs with little or no original content.
• If your site participates in an affiliate program, make sure that your site adds value. Provide unique and relevant content that gives users a reason to visit your site first.

Both Cre8asite Forum members and WebmasterWorld members find that the new guidelines are much more explicit and clear. The change is, therefore, quite welcome.

Thanks guys!

Discussion continues at Cre8asite Forum members and WebmasterWorld.

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