News
SEO Wizardry – How gambling affiliates can stay ahead of the new Google Penguin update
The first Google Penguin update was confirmed on April 24, 2012. It’s role was to algorithmically penalize those websites that were considered to violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines by being involved in so called “link schemes”. It’s main focus was on those thought or found to be buying links or to acquire them through link farms or networks, whose sole purpose was to boost and increase their Google rankings artificially.
This first Penguin update has changed SEO strategies since it’s introduction by removing those who were thought to be using this kind of techniques or simply pushing them down on the SERP’s!
This update gave birth to a whole new era, where SEO’s had to place a whole lot more accent and time on obtaining those highly desired quality links and to produce highly relevant and unique content that would generate on-page engagement an thus getting those relevant and why not organic backlinks!
The first rumours about a new Penguin Update appeared in 2015, Google’s spokespeople declared that this time it would be a real-time update, meaning that any site caught on operating against Google’s Webmaster guidelines would be downgraded instantly – but there’s no need to panic, the recovery will be made a lot more faster too!
Where are you at?
Two years have past since the last Penguin update, so before you dive into a new plan you might wanna check your current status! It would be wise to have a look at your strong points and your weak points, focusing on how the previous updates may have impacted your link/content strategy!
Your main focus should be on your backlink profile! Where are your links coming from, are they from relevant and authoritative sites and domains, or from spammy sites!?! You should also check what kind of links your domain has, footer or sidebar links or even worse links from comments or forum signature links? Don’t forget to check your anchor text distribution, making sure that you’re not using any money or spammy anchor text’s. Your anchor text’s should be natural and your external links from trusted sites, keeping in mind that your brand or domain name is a perfect and a very natural anchor text too!
Anchor text diversity
In the pre Penguin era, webmasters frequently used their keywords also as anchor texts for backlinks thus achieving higher positions in the SERP’s for the given keywords. This technique as many others in the past became abused leading to a mass scale of penalties from Google!
There is no perfect or exact balance on the diversification of anchor texts, but if you keep your anchors relevant and engaging to the visitors you shouldn’t encounter any problems! And if you like it on the safe side, than here are a few anchor texts that will keep you there:
- Partially matching or long tail keywords, anchor texts with synonyms, naked URL’s (in all variations), brand names, image links with optimized alt text.
Internal links
Another vital step is to assess your internal link profile and make sure that it’s well structured and relevant for your site but also for the users so that they can browse trough your site easily! Having this done you should be able to offer Google and your users a safe and clear hierarchy!
Quality content
One of the core targets of the Penguin update is to find and penalize sites that use black-hat techniques such as manipulating links. The most effective way in making a penalty free site is to provide Google with quality and highly relevant content thus making sure that your visitors also find the information relevant and engaging and shareable.
Nowadays Google’s algorithm changes switched the focus from the simple and fast ranking techniques to a more user experienced journey where marketers should focus on creating the right content and making this available for all devices, having this done you should easily sail towards that highly desired #1 SERP’s for your website!
Conferences
Industry leader Parimatch launches The Idol: Black is Back at iGB Affiliate in Barcelona
Are you an idol? Then join us as we take iGB Affiliate Barcelona by storm this January with The Idol: Black is Back, a unique series of events including amazing deals, giveaways, and our stunning Asian Euphoria party where dark luxury fuses with Asian artistry.
A new era is dawning at Parimatch and we want to celebrate it with you in style!
Once again Parimatch’s stand E20 will be the epicenter of iGB Affiliate Barcelona, an annual highlight of the iGaming industry at the iconic city’s famous Fira Gran Via.
We’re confident that Parimatch’s stand will be the talk of the conference. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Fantastic deals: The latest updates and exclusive offers you can’t miss
- Giveaways where you’ll have the chance to win unique prizes
- Our Hall of Fame: Become part of Parimatch’s history
But wait, there’s more. As Parimatch embarks on a new era we are inviting over 500 partners and brand friends to our immersive Asian Euphoria party at a stunning location in the center of Barcelona where you will experience:
- The party headliner – world-famous DJ Steve Aoki
- The very best in performance art that Barcelona has to offer
- The world of Asian luxury merging with American pop culture
Don’t miss out! Be sure to join us to witness Parimatch set new standards at booth E20 at iGB Affiliate, Barcelona, January 20-23. And don’t stop there – join the Asian Euphoria party on January 21 and see us set a new trend for the entire industry!
iGB
iGB Affiliate Conference Program to feature 11 hours of insight, masterclasses and debate
Delegates attending next week’s iGB Affiliate Barcelona will have access to a programme of 14 business critical insight sessions delivered by a 40 strong assembly of industry thought leaders and experts in their respective fields.
The 2025 Program comprises sessions entitled: Affiliate Rundown L!VE: The 2024 Trends That Will Define 2025, Video Killed the Text-based Star: Platforms & Formats for Engaging the Next Generation, Navigating the Road Ahead, New Localisation Strategies to Secure a Slice of the Latin America and Africa Pies, Parasite SEO in iGaming: A Winning Formula to Dominate Search Engines or a Risky Gamble?, Growing Pains: Scaling Operations for Accelerating Affiliate Growth, Plugging Into a Fast Growing Vertical: Sweepstakes, Mastering PPC in iGaming Affiliate Marketing: A Data-Driven Blueprint for Paid Media Success, Market Insights: Unlocking the Next Big Opportunity in Asia and the Middle East, Crack the Code to Viral Success: The Ultimate Guide to a Million Views & Building a Robust Multi-Stream Influencer Business Model, Finding Your Next Role in a Time of Flux: The Inner Workings of Affiliate Recruiters, Masterclass: Reddit 101, Trust and Transparency: What Does a Win-Win Affiliate Data Share Look Like? and Business Without Borders: Boost Your Affiliate Game with International SEO.
The industry-leading line-up assembled by the iGB Affiliate organising team includes Michael Caselli, Non-Executive Chairman – Clarion Gaming, Corey Padveen, Partner – T2 Marketing International and Editor-at-Large, iGB Affiliate, Caleb Dykema, Co-founder & CEO – Vault Sports, Jamison Selby, CEO – Rubystone, Martin Calvert, Marketing Director – ICS-digital, Miruna Pandele, Head of Acquisition – Affiliates Bay, Jonas Warrer, CEO – Gentoo Media, Ben Cove, Chief Marketing Officer – Logifuture, Luis Portela de Carvalho, Partner – Lektou Advogados, Sasha Boerma, Commercial Director for Africa – Split The Pot, Dragan Berak, Head of SEO (AskGamblers and CasinoMeister) – Gentoo Media, Jamie Walters, CEO & Cofounder – QiH, Lee-Ann Johnstone, Founder – Affiverse, Rosi Bremec, COO – Game Lounge, Seth Schorr, CEO – Fifth Street Gaming , Simon Pilkington, Managing Director – Best Betting Media, Stephen Carter, Head of Affiliate Content – Clarion Gaming, and Alex Windsor, CMO – GameTime Digital.
Looking ahead to the first edition of iGB Affiliate to be held in Barcelona, Naomi Barton, Global Portfolio Director, iGB Events said: “I am incredibly passionate about delivering an exceptional and holistic experience on behalf of all of our customers. The Conference Program is an essential part of our pledge to facilitate outstanding business networking, deliver high-quality content, and provide thought leadership that fosters trust-based partnerships and drives growth throughout the iGaming affiliate ecosystem. The Program has been curated in consultation with our customers in order the key topics impacting their business and is being delivered by industry experts. It is a key part of the iGB Affiliate experience.”
iGB Affiliate 2025 will feature a record 250 industry-leading exhibitors and sponsors and host a vibrant community of 8000+ iGaming Affiliates and Tech Vendors.
Affiliate Announcements
Statutory levy affiliate reaction
“I personally think the industry should view this as a positive chance to work hand-in-hand with the NHS, charities and government as all stakeholders pull together to minimise gambling harm. Gambling is meant to be fun and entertaining and the industry must ensure that it is responsible, so that those in need can gain access to properly funded support as and when they need it.”
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iGB7 days ago
iGB Affiliate Conference Program to feature 11 hours of insight, masterclasses and debate
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Conferences6 days ago
Industry leader Parimatch launches The Idol: Black is Back at iGB Affiliate in Barcelona
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Affiliate Announcements5 days ago
RavenTrack unites with StatsPlug to launch innovative affiliate tool