19 May
Google phantom is an undisclosed, “phantom” algorithm update that is rolling out in Google searches. It is notices that the update is targeting the publishers of “how-to” informal content.
Websites like eHow, WikiHow, Answers.com etc are some of the websites that seen significant traffic drops in last few weeks. HubPages, a blogging network having informal content on various subjects, also seen Google search traffic drop of approx 22% of one whole week on May 3.
The update is running without any warning or pre information and Google has not yet officially marked its existence. The update is not a part of Panda or Penguin update.
According to the online sources Phantom’s roll out was started on April 29th; but it wasn’t visible till the first week of May, when in webmasters didn’t show any significant declines in receiving organic traffic. Some webmasters have seen up to 60% organic traffic loss, overnight. Even the website like HubPages is affected by this. Along with the How To style content, this update is also targeting the websites that carry thin content and click bait articles.
This update might punish the entire domain for even a small thin content available on website. If your website having such content then you must give it a thought. So, look at your analytics and webmaster tools and analyze the organic traffic you are receiving from a website. If you see a significant drop since may starting then must check your backlinks and onpage content.
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