Google just Punched me right in the PR

[chris.whiteley]

When I first started blogging I heard about the Google PR slap, and as far as I knew it was due to selling text links ads, or something similar.

I tried to build my blog up using strategies that I though Google agreed with. I eventually built up to a PR 3.

Now my PR is back down to 0.

I just recently made a few changes to my blog including and I thought maybe some of the changes I have made have affected my PR.

If any of your have some knowledge in the PR department please check out my Living on Adsense blog (top link in sig) and let me know what I have done wrong that may be angering Google!

[PaulR]

What changes did you make??

[alanlest]

It's so hard to tell these days what Google wants. I don't see anything on your blog that would raise a red flag or in Google's eyes that deserves a slap.

Alan

[chris.whiteley]

I didn't track most of the changes, and I am constantly making adjustments, but here are the main ones I remember.

• changed my template
• started using PayPerPost and made my first paid listing
• added Project Wonderful
• tried targeting the keyword phrase "make a blog" by having the phrase link back to my main page in my posts.
• added some affiliate products
• added a blogroll
• adding some comment plugins (commentluv, remove 'nofollow', subscribe to comments)

That is all I can think of for now, but that seems to cover the vast majority of the changes

[PaulR]

You can get in trouble over seo'ing a site.

If your dong paid reviews you need to put up a disclaimer.

[PaulR]

Also you need to fill out your about me page, and add a contact form. And no follow your affiliate links.

[chris.whiteley]

PaulR,

That is probably it. I have been continually fighting against doing any SEO because I didn't want to get a PR slaps, and now I go against my principles and instinct and look what happens.

The main issue is now: How do I fix it?

I imagine removing the SEO stuff would be the first bit, but what next? Do I just wait and hope for Google to reinstate my PR?

[chris.whiteley]

Originally Posted by PaulR

If your dong paid reviews you need to put up a disclaimer.

I have the standard disclaimer that PayPerPost makes you put in the paid post. Should I add a disclaimer somewhere else as well?

Originally Posted by PaulR

Also you need to fill out your about me page, and add a contact form. And no follow your affiliate links.

Sorry, by fill out do you mean add more info?

[ghing]

I have read that if changing the look of your site can really affect your rankings and your PR..

i think that's one of the biggest mistake that a blogger/webmaster do.. modifying their websites..

you said you tried to target a certain keywords. you mean you even edit your latest posts?..

[PaulR]

Putting a post in multiple categories isnt really a good idea, creates duplicate content. Might want to think about using tags instead and nofollowing them or nofollow your cat's. Categories, tags, archives, author archives, date based archives, all create a good deal of duplicate content. If your trying to theme your blog with a keyword look into the plugin alinks and the silo module that goes with it.