Google Stings Online Writers Yet Again

I don't know what Google has against online writers, but I'm beginning to think its personal. Not only are page views taking a hit from Google's game of musical algorithms, Google has decided to remove some of its tools, as well. If you do your research to find search volume and estimated CPC, you probably already know that that information has been removed from the AdWords Keyword Tool.

Honestly, I might not have noticed for a while, but you see, this came just as Demand Media announced that the eHow's WCP program is shut down. Offers were emailed to contributors for their body of work and writers have the choice to sell out or remove their articles.

This, of course, set off a mad rush to the Google Adword Tool, as writers frantically tried to decide if they should sell or if a little tweaking and republishing somewhere else was in order.

Much to my surprise, when I clicked to set the columns, this option was gone. At first, this threw me into a loop as the realization that writers no longer had access to the value of keywords began to sink in. A whirlwind of emotions swirled as I tried to make sense of this disturbing change of events. But, I'm feeling a bit better about it today. 

It occurred to me that if writers don't know the value of keywords, then the practice of choosing keywords and creating a superficial article around those words may actually stop. That's good news for all of us, unless, of course you were the person pumping out superficial articles centered on high paying keywords. If you are, you probably aren't going to like what I have to say.

As writing sites, aka content farms, scramble to meet Google's new quality standards, their tactics of obtaining content must change. This just may mean new opportunities for those who have already established their skill at producing quality content. Why? It's simple, really. Those who have been busy honing the craft of sculpting superficial content around a series of keywords--and accepting mere pennies for their efforts--don't know how to produce the type of quality that is likely to save content farms from being buried under the rubble.

That's where we come in. To save themselves, writing sites need the help of experienced online writers who can and do produce the quality they seek. This may mean increased opportunities and income for those who can rise above the changes and meet the new demands for online content. For those who can't, the prospects aren't looking so good.

So instead of worrying about how the changes to the Google algorithm will effect your online work, take some time and consider what you have to offer to the changing face of online writing. Look for opportunities to use your skills in productive ways as you adapt to changes that just may prove to be beneficial in the long run.