Last week, Google released an algorithm change commonly called the "Farmer" algorithm.  Google's "Farmer" algorithm was mostly aimed at online content directories such as HubPages, Suite101, and others.  Google's purpose was to cut out low-quality articles and spam from their search results.  The effect of this algorithm change has been a drop in search rank and traffic for many content directories and websites across the Internet.  This effect has trickled down to lower traffic and earnings for writers who have their articles on the places most hit by the new algorithm.  HubPages was one of those who received the "slap" from Google.

When visiting the forums on HubPages earlier today, I came across many hubbers who said their traffic's not changed too much since the new algorithm's rollout.  However, there were others who said their hub traffic's way down, and earnings, too.  The smack down has hit some people very hard.

This isn't the first "smack down" HubPages has received.  There have been others, and HubPages was able to recover from each one.  There are two main lessons hubbers need to take away from this latest algorithm change:  a.  focus on writing quality content that actually helps your readers, and b.  find some other sites to write for, while also looking for other ways to diversify your online income.  The old saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" is a very good one for all of us to learn and remember!  Applied to online writing, it means diversify your income streams.  You can read more about that at my other blog:  SherVacik.com.

I'll be sticking around on HubPages and adding articles as often as I can.  And along with this, I'll keep on developing my other income streams.  Don't give up your online writing!  The Internet universe will settle down once again.  Just remember quality content that helps your reader is your goal--and you'll do just fine!

Happy Hubbing!
Sher