Google Jagger Algorithm Update - Part 2

This is the second part of the Google Jagger update discussion. The first part of this article discussed the overview of how and why Google needs to update its website ranking algorithms periodically. This article shall discuss the specific areas the Jagger update has altered in the Google algorithm. Sources at Google claim that the changes we see are part of 3-phase update (Jagger1, Jagger2 & Jagger3). At the time of writing this article, we are in the completion stage of Jagger2 update. The Jagger3 update is expected to be rolled out over the next few weeks.

Jagger Update 1
The Jagger 1 update pre-shocks actually started with a string of back-link updates that began in September 2005 and continued into middle of October 2005. In mid October, Google updated its PageRank database for public view. Usually updated once a quarter, the PR update always creates a stir. While most SEO professionals heavily play-down the importance of PR in ranking, the legacy of its importance is so deep-rooted in the minds of most webmasters, that it is difficult to shake it off as an insignificant ranking parameter.

Jagger Update 2
It is believed that the Jagger 2 update is now complete and replicated to all the data centers of Google. However, you may still notice some fluctuations in the rankings as things stabilize for each update. We are now at the threshold of the 3rd phase of the Jagger update, which is expected to initiate sometime in the second week of November 2005.
From what we have studied so far, Google has re-engineered several aspects of its algorithm. Amongst other aspects we will know as things roll out, we believe it has altered the impact of the following:-

1. Value of incoming links
2. Value of anchor text in incoming links
3. Content on page of incoming links
4. Keyword repetitions in anchor text
5. Age of the incoming links
6. Nature of sites linking to you
7. Directory links
8. Speed and volume of incoming links created
9. Value of reciprocal links
10. Impact of outbound links / links page on your website
11. Sandbox effect / age of your site, domain registration date
12. Size of your site's content
13. Addition and frequency of fresh content update
14. Canonical / sub domains, sub-sub domains
15. Multiple domains on same IP numbers
16. Duplicate content on same site or on multiple domains
17. Over-optimization, excessive text markup
18. Irrational use of CSS

We are studying various aspects of the Jagger algo update and are closely monitoring the impact of changes in each of the above mentioned parameters and many more not mentioned here. We shall be discussing the impact of each of these aspects in the next parts of this article, which are likely to be written once the Jagger3 update and our study of it is complete.

In the meanwhile, we'd like to give out a word of caution - If you have suffered drop in your website rankings, do not do any drastic changes on your website until the Jagger3 update is fully implemented and stabilized. There is a delicate balance and inter-dependence of all these parameters that can bring back your ranks once the Jagger3 update is completed.