Did Something Happen With Google's Algo On 06/09/2011?

[getbigyadig]

Yesterday, June 9th, I wokeup and ran my rank checking software. My two domains that I have page one number one rankings for are solid as they have been for the last year.

Before I went to sleep last night I ran the rank check again, and had lost all rankings. After researching into it more, I realized my entire domain name is deindexed.  The site: search yields no results at all.

The domain name has links from over 250 root domain names, is highly focused on one product and one keyword. The links come mostly from articles, comments, forum posts, press releases, and 3-4 articles that were posted talking about my website by other bloggers.

The site has 60 pages, which I think (thought) was more than enough for such a tight focus. The domain is a good keyword match name that I paid a grand for. In webmaster tools it says my URLs are still indexed, however thats not the case.

I tried searching in Bing, and Yahoo. Bing - DeIndexed.  Yahoo - One page of the site indexed.

I havent done anything black hat at all, which is ironic this domain was banned because its the only domain name links were built to using a respectable seo company. It runs on wordpress, and I had not added any new content in about 4 months.

PR4, and the PR still exists in the toolbar and on the websites I used to check it.  Also tried searching google.fr, google.ru, etc... to see if it was a complete deindex, and it is.  Then used the multiple datacenter check - which told me my domain name was not listed in any of the DCs checked.

It is an affiliate website, with one affiliate link on the homepage. I use a plugin to mask the link so it appears as  /starthere/  rather than a long affiliate URL.

There is ONE catch, this website is in the pharmacy niche. Now before you all go saying oh well thats why, consider my question. I dont sell anything illegal, nor does the affiliate program I promote. I collect traffic from people searching for a prescription drug and then recommend a herbal alternative.

Something odd however, is that I have 5 websites like this. Each tailored to their respective prescription drug backlink wise, and then on site I have comparisons and explain the benefits of instead using one of the herbal products or OTC supplements from savon/walgreens whatever.

The other 4 websites gained rank, pages 1, 2, and 3 for their keywords when they were previously on pages 15-20. No new link building to the other domains, I hadn't given them any focus due to other projects.

The issue is the domain name which was banned was a real money maker with an aesthetically pleasing theme. Now its completely deindexed, and I dont know why. Despite the fact I am lost an income stream, I really would like to know why this occurred at all. I feel like I walked into my job, was fired and not told why.

This isn't the first time this has happened to me, however previously it was my own fault because I used an affiliate template and it didn't occur to me 5k other people were doing the same thing.  (earlier days before I learned more about link building and basic SEO).

So, my question is what exactly happened yesterday? Did anyone else see an sudden change in traffic or rankings?  Has anyone else experienced a complete deindex of their domain name, and if you have is this permanent or is google known for accidental / temporary removals during an update to their algo?

I may share my link if it will help, however I prefer not to unless its in private. Also if someone has access to Matt Cutts directly so I can ask what I am doing wrong, or has any idea how to contact someone at google (other than a request for reinclusion) I am all ears. Its very frustrating to see a decision made to ban my domain name without so much as an email saying "we dont like you".

All responses and opinions are welcome and appreciated!

[EGOL]

Malware? Have you checked Google Webmaster Tools?

[RyanKent]

** The site: search yields no results at all.**

That indicates your site was de-indexed by Google. It would have nothing to do with any changes to their measurements. If they change ranking factors, then your site rank can bounce, which is not what happened to your main site.

The primary action to take is log into Google Webmaster Tools and see if you have any notice. It could be something as simple as they discovered malware on your site which you need to remove. At worst, you will need to fix whatever the root issue is, then file a reconsideration request.

Based on what you shared, my main concern would be your use of trademarked names. For example, Viagra is a trademark which belongs to Pfizer. If you violate their trademark, they can file a complaint with Google which could lead to your being de-indexed.

Bottom line, you need to log into Google WMT as your next step.

[getbigyadig]

I check my webmaster tools, no notifications at all.  No trademarked names either.

[RyanKent]

Suggestion: file a reconsideration request. Clearly state that your site was removed from the index and you have no idea why. Ask for an explanation.

I know the process can be lengthy, but you want to get things started asap.

[getbigyadig]

So theres nothing else I can do?  Can I 301 the domain name to another one so I keep all my good backlinks?  I spent a lot of time and money to have good links built.  I did the re-inclusion request but I doubt anyone will care.

[RyanKent]

I only ever had to file a reconsideration request once. In that instance it was processed in a bit under 3 weeks. Google will respond, it may take a month though.

If I was in your position, I would continue to look at every aspect of my site and links as try to determine any possible reason there could be to remove your site from the index. In the mean time, wait the few weeks for Google to respond to your request. I can't recommend 301'ing the site at this point.

If the site was permanently removed from the index, then certainly use 301s to your new site.