You could always do what Google suggests, i.e. provide unique content, and get backlinks from authority sites
Please analyze the following aspects of Google Panda - 1. Unique contents are highly appreciated 2. Google will look for feedback 3. User comfort level is considered 4. Too many ads will be a problem
After Panda Update one thing become vital is Unique and fresh content.. So be Focused on Content Quality!!
You are right, Its very tough now to get better ranking over duplicate content you have to optimize content and post fresh content
Article, article and article!!! But, they must be unique, original, error free and useful. Good article is very powerful now a days.
Dont do black hat would be my advice. Google loves content makes it easier for off page seo as well like in. Articles, Forum, Blog Comments. Facebook fan page ect. Social media.
Google Panda is a very new thing in this industry and its definitely going to get time to understand it. But one thing is clear have unique and quality content and quality backlinks. Well your site might be having unique content but we never know that the sites that link to us have the same thing or not. As an example. Suppose if 100 sites link to you that were considered as quality sites before the Panda update but 25 of those sites have mostly duplicate content then they'll be penalized for that after the update so now these sites won't be adding much value to your backlinks. This is how it affects you even when you have everything right in your site.
i got hit too with the Panda i believe the site was ranking very well the traffic were driving in slowly but with this panda update again i am to little earning again that is $2-$3 with adsense a day.