Rand on Matt Cutts on the Google Sandbox

Rand of SEOmoz has a nice analysis of Matt Cutts in an interview with Mike Grehan on the topic of the Google Sandbox:

1. The sandbox as we perceive it is not a myth, but a real phenomenon (we’ve had this confirmed in the past, but always in person rather than in a recording that could be transcribed)
2. Matt (and Google) recognize that certain content is not being made “available” to searchers and the reasons deal with “how much do you trust certain pages”
3. In order to get out of the sandbox (or dodge it entirely), you must “capture the mind of the blogosphere” which is “the best way to let search engines find out about you too.”

I would also emphasize that your SEO focus (industry) also plays a role in avoiding the Sandbox. A “light” industry typically sidesteps the Sandbox nicely.

That said, it seems that “linkbait” is the key to avoiding the Box entirely (as well as the key to serious link building). Before you even start developing your website, determine what makes you stand out. Will anyone care about your site/product/offering? If you can answer that question effectively, you’ll get your links. A couple well-placed emails to some industry bloggers can easily get the ball rolling here.