By now, the world and his dog are aware of Google acquiring FeedBurner and offering their previously paid services for free.
Well, I’m not going to make you read any more of what you already know, but one thing I did find interesting is that the deal may open up Google’s bag of secrets.
There’s an entire industry built around Google’s ranking algorithms because of their secretive nature and it’s not difficult to see why since Google commands over 50% share of all web searches carried out in the US.
Much of the information about improving search engine rankings is based upon hearsay or incidental findings, but what if there was an a way to obtain an insider’s view…
In the FeedBurner Stats Pro section, there’s an option to optimise item link clicks for either:
- complete item use statistics or
- search engine ranking
If you use link click tracking with your RSS feed, you’re offered two ways to rewrite your item links; one is optimised for capturing the most comprehensive stats and the other is for those concerned about the potential effects on search engine rankings of using temporary or permanent link redirection methods.
FeedBurner explain that they provide this SEO option as
search engines may in cases favor Permanent (301) over Temporary (302) redirects
FeedBurner go on to say,
The impact on search engines of changing is not at all certain
As FeedBurner will now be in a better position to understand whether or not the options they offer provide any SEO benefit, it will be interesting to see whether or not the above quotes will change in the future.
Technorati Tags: Google, FeedBurner, Acquisition, SEO, Redirects
I doubt if feedburner will reveal anything sensitive but any changes they make may give an indication of ‘what works best’.
Doesn’t that amount to the same thing? An official indication of what works best with Google would be classed as sensitive wouldn’t it?