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Since Google announced the release of the new Hummingbird algorithm, writers have been in a panic about what this means for them. It can't be stressed enough that it means the same thing any new algorithm means; create quality content or don't create at all.

With every new algorithm that Google rolls out n an effort to better match search term results with what people are actually looking for, the Internet community goes into a panic, thinking all their hard work is for naught. Unless you are still keyword stuffing and relying completely on meta tags and black hat techniques,you have nothing to worry about. People don't generally search for things using search tools that Internet writers use. Instead, they use conversational terms that they might use with a friend. The aim of the search engines is to interpret these terms to return useful results. So what can you do to make Hummingbird work for you? Use some of the techniques below in your writing.

• Create searchable titles. Generally it is understood that Google looks at the first five words of a title, so you want to be sure to get your search terms in there and make a title that is Internet friendly. For example, "Getting it Together" might be a creative title for a book on dating with a picture of a couple on the front, but in terms of search engines, it doesn't mean anything. Something better suited to an article on getting together with a new romantic partner might be "Find New Love" or "Meet Your Soul Mate".
• SEO is still worthwhile. As long as you are using SEO the right way, it still works. That means you need to use it in limited amounts with related terms.
• Let go of the pronouns. I have said it before and I will say it again; pronouns drag you down. Yes, pronouns can be useful and used sporadically, but if you are writing a parenting blog and you keep referring to your son as "he" or "him" instead of "son", "child", and so forth, you aren't letting the search engines know that you are talking about your child. A good rule of thumb is to write like you are writing to a stranger. When you say "him" to a stranger, they don't know who you are talking about. Instead, use terms that identify him as your son.
• Keep things current. For instance, this blog is not about Panda and it is not about generic things in the writing word. Keep your blog focused and current so that you can rank in current results on an ongoing basis.
• Write about things that people want to read. Whether you are doing copy writing, sharing recipes, or any other number of things, offer people something they actually want to read. It works best if you make it entertaining and informative at the same time.

If you're an online freelance writer, you've more than likely had to write some articles that had to have SEO work into them. Sometimes the phrase seems almost impossible to incorporate into a normal sentence, but knowing how Google reads text can be a big help.

Google doesn't currently recognize punctuation or capitalization. Big deal, right? Actually, it is kind of a big deal when you consider how you can use this to your advantage. Let's take a look at a phrase that might be used when writing for SEO.

"south beach diet how"

Just try and fit that in one sentence and see if any native English readers will return to see what else you've written. But, since Google doesn't look at capitalization or punctuation this one is fairly easy to get into content that makes sense. Using that information you can write sentences like the ones below and actually look like you know something about the English language.

"You're going to live in South Beach? Diet how you want to but know that you're going to be scrutinized!"

"So, you want to try the South Beach diet. How do you know what to eat?"

As you can see, the keyword phrase exists in just the right order and the sentences actually make sense!

I've heard rumors that Google is stepping up their game again. They've been trying to drill it home that they are looking for quality content, while writers have been trying to learn how Google defines quality content. How does Google know if you're an expert in your field? As far as I can tell, they know the same way your friends do.

Imagine if Google could look in your window. Would your life show them that you're an expert in your field? For instance, if you run a daycare, it's obvious that you're an expert in your field if you maintain an educational atmosphere and are on a constant search to step up your game. People come to you with questions about child rearing and preschool education. You fairly breathe daycare language. You are an expert in your field.

Well, Google IS looking in your window (figuratively at least). It seems that what they're looking for now is social media optimization (SMO). What you do in Facebook and Twitter have an impact on how Google views you. So, those who write daycare articles but only post in Twitter and FB about their late night drinking crusades, well let's just say that if they ever saw the first page rankings before, they won't be there for long.

I'm not a math person. I'm not one of those search engine marketing experts who can sit down and tell you exactly how many of which keywords you need to use to get consistent page views. I write for several companies and they all have their own formula. I'm a writer. That's what I do. I try to keep my name on things that are relevant to me in real life. I will naturally have some leverage with Google using SMO because of the way I live. But, I'm going to have to step up my game when it comes to getting the numbers right.

For that reason, I'm considering hiring a search engine marketing firm. Writing is my speciality and search engine marketing is their specialty. If I hire a firm like this, I can focus on the things I'm good at and they can help me let the rest of the world know that I am the expert in my field. When it comes to being an online success, you have to create an online presence. Word of mouth is still the best advertisement. But, times have changed. You don't call your neighbor for advice anymore. You ask your Facebook friends. Social media marketing is the window that Google looks through to judge your level of expertise.