The fourth major “Panda” algorithm update and data refresh for the internal search algorithm used in the Google search engine. The Google Panda 4.0 update was rolled out in late May 2014 and is believed to have affected more than 7% of all English-language search queries.
This makes Google Panda 4.0 the most significant Panda release since Google initiated the Google Panda updates in early 2011. Major sites that suffered from the Google Panda 4.0 update include Ask.com, History.com, Biography.com, RetailMeNot, and press release-focused sites like PRweb.com.
A Softer, Gentler Panda?
While Google has reportedly been developing “next-generation” Panda evolutions that “soften” the algorithm to help small businesses and other web sites that have been significantly impacted by the Panda algorithm updates, the Panda 4.0 Update certainly does not fall in that category. The Panda 4.0 update has shown to be more of a major update that provided a heavyweight impact on numerous companies and their web sites.
Recommended Reading: How Web Search Engines Work and Five SEO Tips for Driving Search Engine Traffic
