What is the Google Sandbox?

Author: Philip O’Hara
Directory One, Inc.

The Google Sandbox is a mysterious term. What is it? A theory? A well kept secret by Google? Experts offer numerous theories about the Sandbox. Some believe it is an erratic and obscure Mathematical Algorithm. Others think it is a foyer where new websites stay before being capable to rank higher and still some experts believe it doesn’t exist at all. What is certain, however, is that the Google Sandbox looms over the heads of Webmasters and in the hard to reach places of Search Engine Marketing.

The theory suggests that new sites added to the Google Index will not rank well for their keywords, even if the sites have been optimized. Experts believe this can occur to a given website anywhere from two to six months, or longer. When searched, the site may show up for the company name but will most likely rank under poor ranking and/or irrelevant keywords. Even older, established websites are threatened. Too many links from other sites can send your site into the Sandbox before you ever knew what hit you. The most frustrating thing about the Google Sandbox is you cannot escape it and you never know when you are getting out.

Luckily, the unfortunate have options. Upon finding yourself being kicked in the face with sand, you might consider Pay Per Click Advertising. Spending money on Google Ads offers an alternative for those who have trouble ranking in organic results. This way, you receive the same traffic (if not more) you would have received organically.

As for Google Sandbox theory, it is only a theory. Or an illusion. I haven’t heard Google admit anything yet but in these types of scenarios it is probably in everyone’s best interest to be aware of their surroundings in case a potential sandbox experience does happen.