You On Top

With the latest revamp in Google’s algorithm (which is still going on at this moment), a lot of people are noticing great changes (for good and for bad). One thing that is definitely changing is the different factors in the values of incoming links. It therefore seems as if the days of easy ranking gained by plenty of links and a certain anchor text are short.
One new element implemented in order to improve search results is the concept of “visual page segmentation” which was recently proposed in a paper entitled “Block-level Link Analysis”, by Deng Cai, Xaiofei He, Ji-Rong Wen and Wei-Ying.

How does it work?
In it’s first argument this paper suggests that the current link popularity algorithm is faulty due to the fact that it weighs each page as a whole, and therefore, any link, located anywhere on the page is given the same value.
However, the average page has different semantics on its different parts / blocks. That is, that the left block will most likely have general navigation links and some potential advertising. The right block, on the other hand might have links to related articles as well as additional advertising. Lastly, the middle block, will contain the actual content and therefore, the most powerful links.
Separating pages can be done using a computer with a vision-based program. Each block then can be considered as the fundamental unit of analysis, rather than the entire page.
When a link is scored in terms of its block, the links’ contextual relevance can be interpreted more intelligently by search engines.

VIPS and the SEO?
Since different parts of the page are now weighed differently, links from the “article” block will most likely be the most valued links and will likely to be considered as “true recommendation”. Rented links, and links gained by the different networks with normally are placed on the right block or on top, are risking being devaluated.

VIPS and the SE’s
By implementing this technique and separating each page into blocks, search engines will also be able to measure page relevancy more accurately. It will allow search engines to find the theme of each block rather than the entire page, and offer more accurate results.

In Summery
While some links values might be devaluated, others should be valued more thanks to a better relevancy. This can hurt some webmasters who like gaining links using certain techniques, but can also be a great tool for fighting spam. Articles, Directories and Press Releases links are going to be highly valued and therefore should be highly considered.