Nice video but I do not agree with the analysis here 6:32. A post like 'ultimate packing list' is kind of an obligation for every travel blog. And even though it doesn't require expertise, they could have mentioned their own tips, stories, mistakes, examples, or the products they personally use. That's expertise. Being penalizing for a broad post topic doesn't make sense.
Wealth of geeks were using a lot of spammy tactics like duplicate content. Then he literally talked about it on the podcast saying how he spam flip board. Google doesn’t like spam and it was really an easy target to deindex. Look at their backlink profile or search their name, so much spam
Great analysis. Thank you for bringing this up Spencer. It would also help to know what changes had these sites made after being published or before the HCU update, specifically on the content side. You did mention some of them went broad, but not sure if that could possibly be a reason, especially if they were doing it already.
🤔 It's fascinating to see how even sites featured as Google success stories aren't immune to traffic fluctuations. This analysis sheds light on the complexities of SEO and the need for continuous adaptation in the digital landscape.
All my sites are 100% down. 2 months prior HCU my 14year old AdSense account was disabled without warning (under made up accusation like Iframes - I checked there wasn't a single Iframe on my website), despite being operated by Ezoic, and in the end Google stole my remaining $3100. Try to beat this.
@@CocoBlooms nothing seems to be working, I'm trying everything at this point. I'm exploring other revenue sources and cutting expenses as much as possible. The losses seem to have stabilized so I'm trying to adapt to the new lower-revenue environment. My business is still profitable at this point as long as I keep expenses much lower.
There's no point in trying to get Google to change as they keep getting worse every year that goes by, but almost exponentially. I still think the best idea is to create a brand new search engine that only indexes niche blogs. Still have it on my possible to-do list, although it is a large undertaking
It looks like the Mel's Kitchen website is a decade old. I wonder if the age has any impact on its "helpfulness" and "trustworthiness" in Google's new algorithm updates?
@@yourguardianchef that isn't the case as my site was hit and I have almost 1,000 recipes/articles. But I think age and not doing SEO to a high level is a factor (meaning that the sites that have just put out good content without too much regard to optimization were rewarded).
@@CleanEatingKitchen@CleanEatingKitchen Sure, I am not saying all large blogs have gained (correlation is not causation), but I noticed that those who have gained are usually large blogs +1k, have a large Instagram account, and sell one or two books. It is just a common denominator I have seen, I am not an expert.
He basically is grabbing at straws. Reinvent his brand. You know why? It’s hemorrhaged and his voice is no longer anything but cloud butter in the vast era of AI. He didn’t keep up. He made his money. I say go away. Niche pursuits is the past. I am sure you have few foreigners hanging in there but this is old shit.
Awesome video! Definitely seeing a similar loser/winner % among my clients! Thanks for also providing the data. Google's PR team seems to feature something they think is good, but the algorithm seems to say otherwise lol
You putting this up for free is actually clutch - praise to you
Looks like sites that are niching down a lot have a higher chance to survive these updates.
Nice video but I do not agree with the analysis here 6:32. A post like 'ultimate packing list' is kind of an obligation for every travel blog. And even though it doesn't require expertise, they could have mentioned their own tips, stories, mistakes, examples, or the products they personally use. That's expertise.
Being penalizing for a broad post topic doesn't make sense.
Fair enough!
Wealth of geeks were using a lot of spammy tactics like duplicate content. Then he literally talked about it on the podcast saying how he spam flip board. Google doesn’t like spam and it was really an easy target to deindex. Look at their backlink profile or search their name, so much spam
I haven't verified, but I wouldn't be surprised if everything you say is true.
yeah but then tons of sites that aren't spam were taken 95% off index too. a broken clock is right 2 times a day
Great analysis. Thank you for bringing this up Spencer. It would also help to know what changes had these sites made after being published or before the HCU update, specifically on the content side. You did mention some of them went broad, but not sure if that could possibly be a reason, especially if they were doing it already.
Yes. it would be great to hear the bottom line 😊
🤔 It's fascinating to see how even sites featured as Google success stories aren't immune to traffic fluctuations. This analysis sheds light on the complexities of SEO and the need for continuous adaptation in the digital landscape.
No.. its not about SEO.. if your SEO is good but Google want to slap your face, nothing you can do
My site is on the list and it’s been devastating. Revenue down over 50% since March. 😢
I'm so sorry to hear. I think it's terrible what Google has done...and how they've handled everything.
All my sites are 100% down. 2 months prior HCU my 14year old AdSense account was disabled without warning (under made up accusation like Iframes - I checked there wasn't a single Iframe on my website), despite being operated by Ezoic, and in the end Google stole my remaining $3100. Try to beat this.
How have you mitigated the impact, and what is your recovery strategy?
@@CocoBlooms nothing seems to be working, I'm trying everything at this point. I'm exploring other revenue sources and cutting expenses as much as possible. The losses seem to have stabilized so I'm trying to adapt to the new lower-revenue environment. My business is still profitable at this point as long as I keep expenses much lower.
There's no point in trying to get Google to change as they keep getting worse every year that goes by, but almost exponentially. I still think the best idea is to create a brand new search engine that only indexes niche blogs. Still have it on my possible to-do list, although it is a large undertaking
Interesting analysis. Enjoyed
It looks like the Mel's Kitchen website is a decade old. I wonder if the age has any impact on its "helpfulness" and "trustworthiness" in Google's new algorithm updates?
I do think that could help
All the recipe sites that have grown during the HCU have +1k recipes. I don't think it is age but quantity.
@@yourguardianchef that isn't the case as my site was hit and I have almost 1,000 recipes/articles. But I think age and not doing SEO to a high level is a factor (meaning that the sites that have just put out good content without too much regard to optimization were rewarded).
@@CleanEatingKitchen@CleanEatingKitchen Sure, I am not saying all large blogs have gained (correlation is not causation), but I noticed that those who have gained are usually large blogs +1k, have a large Instagram account, and sell one or two books. It is just a common denominator I have seen, I am not an expert.
Many blogs that outrank me now are lifestyle blogs with only one post on that destination or so. Not sure about niching down is the way to go :(
Yeah, google is providing any clear answers.
that sleep site looks spammy as hell. probably thats why it got hit
This video is overproduced it’s difficult to concentrate on the actual content. Please simplify your editing style
He basically is grabbing at straws. Reinvent his brand. You know why? It’s hemorrhaged and his voice is no longer anything but cloud butter in the vast era of AI. He didn’t keep up. He made his money. I say go away. Niche pursuits is the past. I am sure you have few foreigners hanging in there but this is old shit.
Until another big player comes around. Google has no benefit if not making people addicted to 'making new SEO formulized content for Google !"
The google data link is broken, can you please fix it, I want to see the spreadsheet
Thanks for the heads up! I just fixed it.
@@niche-pursuits legend
It feels like if you build a site -> build with commercial intent. Affiliates, blogs etc are just getting chipped away.
Definitely not easy out there!
Well done Spencer. Interesting
What conclusions did you reach from your analysis? Perhaps this topic
for a future video?
The question now is why the incline and the decline happened!? Is it only about having spam or helpful unique content!?
Great video but that sideways video angle is distracting on top of unnecessary
Thanks for the tip
@@niche-pursuitsTry a 45 degree angle and a closer shot for a second camera.
Interesting...blog roll homepages...
Awesome video! Definitely seeing a similar loser/winner % among my clients! Thanks for also providing the data. Google's PR team seems to feature something they think is good, but the algorithm seems to say otherwise lol
Exactly, well said! Seems like Google's internal teams don't communicate very well!
I’m wondering if the sites that got hit weren’t doing things 100% legit? Maybe they didn’t know they weren’t?
I suppose that's possible.
... interesting ;)
Glad you think so!
Yeah, Google is controversial in its own judgements. @Spencer I sent you email regarding potential win-win idea. Looking forward to your thoughts