Google Sandbox: 7 Fun Ideas to Keep You Busy

Many of you have probably heard of the infamous Google Sandbox Effect– a nickname for an aging filter placed on new websites. While it is debatable whether this phenomenon is a result of a strict Google policy to keep search results from spam websites or if it is a simple coincidence on behalf of the mathematical algorithms, the truth remains is that many website owners feel frustrated within the first of couple of months.

Nothing could be more frustrating for a website owner than having his website ignored by Google. With no page rank, crawling bots, or exposure, you’re bound to consider neglecting your pursuit all together – especially if you’re running a website for income boosts.

The sandbox effect is said to last up to six months in which your website ranking is not available and your content never ranks high on the search results no matter how relevant it is. To put it simply: it is the ultimate curse for any budding website or blog.

But wait a second, before you leave! Why should it be a curse? Here are 6 fun play ideas to keep you busy while Google indexes your website.

1. Tryout Different Layouts/Themes

One of the best things you can do while in the sandbox is to change your website’s design or theme to your heart’s content. Experiment with colors, shapes, and fonts. You can also test the functionality of each theme and decide which one works best for you.

2. Get to Know Other Websites/Blogs in Your Niche

Ranking, marketing, and popularity are based on human interaction. No amount of content or offers can get you to the top if you don’t network. Getting to know others in your niche is one way of getting your website featured, reviewed, or even linked to. No one can resist showing off his latest cool finding; your website might be featured sooner than you thought.

3. Experiment with Content

Experimenting with your website’s content is yet another thing you can do with ultimate freedom. While you can certainly experiment at all times later on, but consistency will play a huge role in maintaining your readership. Therefore, experimenting with a smaller base of readers is ideal to find the most reliable, interesting content you can post.

4. Explore Your Niche’s Forums

Did you know that forums generate massive traffic? Adding your website’s link in your signature is one to channel some traffic into your website. If you reply to five of the threads on the main forum’s page, I can guarantee at least 2 will visit your website curious to see who’s behind the post.

5. Develop Your Product

Almost every skill or knowledge can be turned into a useful product to be sold on the internet these days. Developing a product is one to keep your creative juices flowing, not to mention, it will pay off once your website grows and you put up your product. Selling or offering a product can be one way of boosting your website’s reputation, since there’s always a chance one person will review your product at some point during the first year of its release. Most reviewers post their reviews along with your website’s link on specialized websites that attract a lot of traffic – yet another excellent way get your website out there.

6. Educate Yourself

Offering quality content is one thing and marketing it is another. Having great content does not necessarily mean you will be the best in your niche; marketing on the other hand can tip the balance. Educating yourself on your niche’s topics, needs, and audience is what we can call “market research”. You might say, but I’m just a blogger not a salesman. If you give it some thought, you’ll realize that we sell ourselves on a daily basis, the pillars of social order depend on marketing and media. Even if you’re not blogging for money, learning to sell yourself is the only way to reach out to the massive reader base out there.

7. Lookout For Joint Ventures

Networking on the internet is one of the top ways to launch a new venture, be it commercial or personal. Joint ventures are out there waiting for you to explore them; there could be a team looking for the perfect team member or a business man with a one million dollar idea looking for someone to help implement it. Some forums such as the Warrior Forum have sections for such joint ventures. Affiliate websites are usually the best spots to start your joint venture that could channel some cash your way.

Playing in Google’s sandbox might not be a bad idea after all. Think of it as a pre-launching period where you can develop the best format for you and your readers.