Google Sandbox Definition

The Google sandbox is a concept that has been coined to describe the effect that new websites have in Google’s search results.

New websites do not behave in the same way in Google’s search results as older, more established websites. It seems that Google is less inclined to rank newer websites until they have proven themselves and gone through a probationary period. This seems to be a period of 90 to 120 days.

This is not to say that everything you do is pointless within this time, it just means that your efforts will probably be put on hold until this period has passed.

The Google sandbox could be used by Google for many things other than just new websites. Google could also use this for websites that it believes are not playing fair or that have suddenly gained large numbers of inward links.

If you have a new website you should make your changes and optimize your website gradually. This includes building links to your website. You should try to build links slowly over time instead of adding a hundred in one sitting. This sudden spike of inward links could cause you problems. It would look unnatural, as links are not normally achieved this fast.

There are several ways you can deal with the Google sandbox and its effects. including:

• Use an existing older domain name instead of buying a new one.
• Build links slowly over time
• Optimize your website slowly
• In the early days, concentrate on other search engines
• Utilize pay per click (PPC) for your initial placement

The Google sandbox effect is not a recognized algorithm by Google, it is just a phrase to describe the effect often seen with new websites that have only recently been found by Google.