Google targets ad heavy websites

On Thursday, Google announced that they have launched a new algorithmic update that focuses on ad placement on websites. Adverts above the fold could well hinder the progress of your websites within Google’s rankings if the content is pushed down. Matt Cutts said in his blog post that Google is trying to target more ‘high quality’ websites within their results. So, surely Google does the same…right?

Take a look at the following screenshot I’ve just taken:

So, its ok for Google to display advertisements above the fold in a prominent position but not your website? This is one example of Google’s heavy PPC presence for a search query, pushing the organic listings below. I’ve seen maps hovering over the adverts, an email field box and so many ads (including shopping) that the organic listings aren’t visible at all.

So is this pot, kettle, black – again – from Google?