Last week, Google announced that they have made some changes to the algorithm that returns results on Google searches. Apparently content mill sites (presumably those like Bukisa,  Xomba,  eZine, etc.) will not be coming up as high in returns as they had been. Of course, Google is keeping their secrets to themselves, but we have to assume that REAL informational sites (those dedicated to one topic, and owned & maintained by REAL experts) will be weighted, and will come up higher in search returns.  This is expected to hit lower-quality content mill sites where it hurts them the most –the bank.

So will Google’s new algorithm hurt writers?  Yes and no. If your portfolio is filled with mainly revenue-share articles, then chances are 1) your articles are hosted and displayed on content mill-owned sites, and your earnings will most likely take a hit, because the entire site is taking a hit. Those who write for flat-rate fees, however, will most likely not see a change in their income, unless the content mills decide to start dropping their rates (unlikely).

So what’s a writer to do to survive the new Google algorithm that targets content mills? It’s really up to you. Personally, I am going to slightly increase the number of articles that I do for a flat rate, BUT I’m going to keep writing revenue share articles until I get my residual income back up to where it used to be.

What is your strategy for overcoming the new Google algorithm?

I just got an email saying that Demand Studios is going to start paying its freelancers twice per week. I haven’t written anything for Demand since June, but this is a great incentive for active Demand Studios writers. I think DS will start getting articles on a more regular basis. I know when I was writing for them, I’d write on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, trying to get my assignments in before the work-week cut off period. Basically, I wrote for a few days so that I could have some quick cash on pay day. Now, that there’s two pay days… hmmm… Demand Studios is looking a little more attractive to me. I’ll have to see how I can work those assignments into my already full plate….