What Is The Google Sandbox?

Firstly, you should know that Sandbox is a term that has not been applied by Google and, in fact, they have never denied or accepted the existence of the phenomenon. However, it is widely accepted that the symptoms exist therefore the problem also exists. Google want to ensure that they update their index with new content regularly and that the content they include is relevant and informative. In short they want to ensure that their index is the most up to date but doesn’t include spam sites.

In order to do this, Google regularly change the algorithm they use to determine whether sites are relevant or not to specific search terms. However, it is also believed that to prevent new spam sites being set up and to give the spam filters at Google the time to check a site properly, that Google place all new websites in the sandbox.

The Effects Of The Sandbox?

The sandbox isn’t particularly damaging to your overall and long-term success. It seems true that your site will be placed near the bottom of the search engine result pages (SERPs) for most of your keywords and key phrases but it certainly doesn’t mean you have been banned. You are unlikely to get Google searchers visiting your website until you are taken out of the sandbox though, so be prepared for this when you set up a new site. Expect not to get the masses of traffic you would like from Google searches but use the time constructively.

How To Tell If You Are In The Sandbox.

There is a way to tell if you are in the Sandbox but it will involve quite a long process of elimination. First things first, you should check that you have been indexed. Search for your website name using the Google search engine. If your site shows up in the search results then that means you have been indexed and you haven’t been banned. Unfortunately, though, there is a good chance that this may be the only SERP that shows you near the top of the listing. Once you’ve determined that you have indeed been indexed then you need to consider further options. You may be appearing at the bottom of the SERPs because you deserve to be there.

Check the design of the site is search engine friendly and that you have inbound links to your site and keyword relevant content. If you have a good combination of these but are still appearing near the bottom of the SERPs, then there is a very real chance you are indeed spending a little time in the Sandbox. Don’t alter your site needlessly in a bid to improve your ranking, because you will not improve your ranking by doing this.

How Long You Will Spend In The Sandbox.

The Sandbox effect is very real and what is more disappointing is that it is generally accepted that a new website should expect to be in the Sandbox for at least 3 months. That is a long time to sit around twiddling your thumbs and waiting, so ensure that you do something constructive with your time. After all, Google isn’t the only search engine you can submit to or the only way to gain visitors.

The Possibility Of Avoiding The Sandbox.

This is the most difficult part about the sandbox effect. There is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent your new website from suffering the Google Sandbox fate. It is a fact that your site will be placed in the Sandbox for a certain amount of time and you will not be able to beg, plead or change your site in order to remove it. However, there are things you can do while you are waiting to be let out.

Approach all other methods of marketing you intend to use to promote your new website. This is where some expert advise will come in handy and your local marketing company can help you develop a strategic marketing plan to promote your online activities.

Some of the many options available to you when marketing your new website are:-

• Pay-per-click campaigns
• Banner advertisements
• Google AdWords
• Directory Submissions
• Direct Email
• TV
• Radio
• Press
• Direct Mail

Submit to other search engines as soon as possible. You should never dismiss the smaller engines just because they don't command the same market share as Google. You will miss out on traffic if you do. The most important thing is not to sit around swearing and fretting about the Google Sandbox when you could be doing something much more creative and effective with your time.