Technical Definition
Penguin was a Google algorithm update targeting manipulative link building. Launched April 2012, now runs in real-time as part of core algorithm. Targeted: link schemes, paid links, over-optimized anchor text, low-quality backlinks. Shifted industry toward quality link building. Recovery requires removing/disavowing toxic links.
Simple Explanation (ELI13)
Penguin was a Google update in 2012 that went after websites using shady link building tactics, like buying links or using exact-match anchor text everywhere. It's now part of Google's regular algorithm. Penguin taught the industry that manipulating links can seriously backfire.
Related Terms
Link Building, Toxic Links, Algorithm Update, Manual Action
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