Computer and Web Articles

Have you ever launched a great new website only to search Google on a daily basis and find that it’s nowhere to be found in the search results? “What on Earth could be happening?” you probably cried. “Oh, the Google Sandbox,” I would have replied.

The Google Sandbox is the well-known theory that new websites will not rank well regardless of how great their content is or how many other websites link to them. Google essentially puts a filter of sorts on new websites that acts as an initiation period and usually lasts in the range of six to 12 months. Sites focusing on more competitive keyword phrases (such as Colorado real estate) are likely to remain the Sandbox longer than sites focusing on less competitive keyword phrases (such as pink zebra sapphire necklaces).

Though it’s good to be aware of the Google Sandbox as it will usually play a role in your site’s initially low rankings, this awareness should not change the way you build or market your site. Use the time your site is stuck in the Sandbox to build incoming links, create great content and market your site directly to your target audience.