Why is this forum so low in the search results for "permanent portfolio"?

[dragoncar]

It used to be about 4th in google, but now it's almost on the second page.  Why don't I just type in the URL?  Because the root page does not contain the forum and I'm lazy.  Does this have to do with the fact that the root page has no content?  Can we get it to redirect to the forum?

[Gumby]

It used to be about 4th in google, but now it's almost on the second page.  Why don't I just type in the URL?  Because the root page does not contain the forum and I'm lazy.  Does this have to do with the fact that the root page has no content?  Can we get it to redirect to the forum?

The root page is definitely an issue. But, in terms of recent changes in ranking, it's difficult to say. Sometimes Google just changes their algorithms and the rankings change order.

In terms of what can be done to fix the site, websitegrader.com offers a quick SEO (Search Engine Optimization) test:

http://websitegrader.com/site/gyroscopicinvesting.com/

As you can see, there are dozens of ways to improve SEO, but improving SEO does not guarantee better rankings. It can be difficult to compete against Morningstar and high-ranking media websites. In many ways, the current Google rankings are accurate because those other sites are a bit more relevant to information about the Permanent Portfolio.

Now, if you did a search for 'Permanent Portfolio Discussion Forum,' gyroscopicinvesting.com is #1. And that's what it should be.

[MediumTex]

Given that over the past year we have pulled off the near-miraculous feat on the internet of only attracting polite and thoughtful people (for the most part, anyway), I like that it mat be slightly difficult to find us.

With that said, we do normally appear on the first page of search results and not too far down the list.

A lack of technical skill on my part also probably holds us back a bit.

[Wonk]

Another item for those inclined might be to create a wikipedia page for the Permanent Portfolio.  As of today, no page exists--although a very brief synopsis is found on the Fail Safe Investing page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fail-Safe_ ... _Portfolio

I would imagine a more detailed summary of The Permanent Portfolio on it's own page with a link back to this forum would allow newbies to find the basics easily via websearch, then ask questions here.

[TripleB]

If you type in permanent portfolio forum you get it as the top hit.

I'd imagine some part of the algorithm is based on how many people click the link from the search results. So maybe searching for permanent portfolio and going to page 2 and manually clicking the link will work to increase SEO if enough of us do it

[l82start]

i think ranking is also dependent on how many links back to us there are on other forums and blogs etc...  if we became a hot topic of conversation across the internet with lots of people linking to our threads and posts, the ranking would climb..

[Coffee]

i think ranking is also dependent on how many links back to us there are on other forums and blogs etc...   if we became a hot topic of conversation across the internet with lots of people linking to our threads and posts, the ranking would climb..

Very true. 

The links should be keyword dense, too.  Like this: Permanent Portfolio

But the other problem (in my opinion) is that the root domain has no keyword specific content on it.

[Gumby]

I think MT brings up a good point... Do we really want hundreds or thousands of people on this forum? I think the conversations would deteriorate considerably. If someone is really interested in the Permanent Portfolio, they will eventually find this forum. There is a nice trail of breadcrumbs that eventually lead investors here.

[Benko]

Given that over the past year we have pulled off the near-miraculous feat on the internet of only attracting polite and thoughtful people

Most forums are like the bobble one.  It is very nice to find a forum i.e. this one with very knowledgable and helpful people without (as best I can tell)..."sillyness".  Whatever you are doing is working.  Then again it may be partly a function of the fact that PP is not trendy and not going to attract hoards of people wanting to make a killing in the market.