It all started innocently enough. I was doing some good old fashioned keyword research when I saw something weird. I was looking at a long tail keyword that gets searched about 400 times per day. It was a passing idea I had for a niche content business. To do some quick research I did a google search for the word to see how many websites exist with the phrase.
Just so you’re not in the dark, here’s the long tail keyword phrase I searched for:
quadruple bypass surgery survival rate
My heart literally jumped for joy at first. The results were EXTREMELY LOW! See this screenshot:
Instantly I knew with such low competition on the BROAD search term, I could easily write an article targeting this keyword phrase, put it on EzineArticles.com, perform a little link building and viola see some cash come in from ads and affiliate offers.
But not so fast. My next step is to always check the EXACT number of websites to see what my REAL competition is. By doing a search with the keyword phrase in quotes I would be able to see the number of pages that use that exact phrase in that exact order. It would tell me how easy it would be to go after the long tail phrase with some basic SEO tactics.
So, I did a search for the keyword in quotes. And when I saw the results I was temporarily SHOCKED. Here’s what I saw:
This was indeed STRANGE. Why in the world would there be MORE results with an EXACT string search versus the broad word? In the real world it’s like doing a search for Mr. Jones vs Mr. Thomas Franklin Jones. You would expect there to be a LOT more Mr. Jones than Mr. Thomas Franklin Jones.
It’s just common sense.
So I started digging around, and that’s when I found it.
Google unleashes operation Mayday on the long tail keyword search results
Around the end of April, beginning of May Google made an algorithm change to their search. That’s nothing new. They making changes all the time and they should. It just surprises me because as far as I can tell this might just be the first time where Google is flat out NOT allowing searches to get specific on what they are trying to find.
For searches, this means that drilling down to find EXACTLY what you’re looking for may be potentially harder. Unless Google has gotten this exactly right and is showing the perfect sites at the right time.
I guess I have trouble with the fact that Google is deciding to filter their results and it seems from this example they are giving authority/older sites a lot more play in the top results.
For marketers, is it the death of the long tail keyword?
Let’s not jump to conclusions.
A quick look at one of my 7 word long tail keyword phrases shows that I’m showing up at the # 3 position through ezinearticles.com. Actually, the first 3 results are all article sites. ArticleSnatch, then 2 EzineArticles.
Interestingly enough, my result is 7 days older than the article above me. And the top articlesnatch article is less than 2 days old. So, again, just from this example, we see that fresher content is getting better ranking.
Now, I understand I am making a lot of assumptions from just one longtail keyword phrase. This is more educational in nature than it is practical.
What should you do to get your longtail keyword phrase ranked after Google’s latest algorithm change Mayday?
I don’t think you have to make any major changes. The only change you should make is to make sure you are always providing quality content on your website. Hopefully most of you out there are. If you’re not, then hopefully this newest change will get you moving in the right direction.
But I will tell you this. In my personal business and marketing efforts I am definitely NOT going to make SEO one of my top traffic priorities. I just don’t think it’s a sustainable business model for the long haul. Sure, SEO’s will disagree with me. Heck, I may disagree with me in a few weeks. But, just looking at how easily Google can change your business is scary.
I guess the new quote for the 21st century is this:
Google giveth and Google taketh away
So, my final thoughts:
Focus on sustainable traffic sources. Don’t let what Google does affect your business for two long. If they change an algorithm and you lose traffic take that as a sign to diversity your sources.
And if you are going to create content, put a little effort into it. Total automation is nice, but getting something unique in there helps a lot.
Google Video Talking About MayDay and Long Tail Keywords
Just so you don’t think me mad or that I’m making all this up. Here’s a video where Google actually admits to this algorithm change. You can learn a little more about it by watching.
SEOMoz, one of the leading SEO training sites, reported a lost between 5-15% of their long tail traffic. This is substantial. It does seem like every year that goes by in Internet Marketing the low hanging fruit are harder and harder to find. I guess that makes sense as more competition shows up and companies like Google change algorithms regularly.
So, let this be a lesson. Take advantage of the traffic you can get while you can get it and always be ready for change. 
Here’s a few good reads I found during my research:
WebProNews On The MayDay Update
SearchEngineGuide Confirms Google MayDay
Till Next Time,
