I have a site that I launched maybe 2.5 weeks ago and it ranked anywhere from #5 to #9 for a keyword (it would fluctuate but 99.9% of the time it was #5). Suddenly, my site dropped to #16 which is quite disappointing. Any one knows why this could have happened? I've been working on getting backlinks, however I heard that Google implements a positive aging process on links (and domains). So I might not be getting the full benefit of inbound backlinks until 6 months are passed... and possibly longer...is that true? Does that mean that it is pointless doing backlink optimization until the 6 month period?
Google has apparently reverted to an old practice of giving new sites a temporary boost in rankings. Its almost the exact opposite of what was known as the "sandbox", and it's been happening for the past year or so. But it usually lasts for more than a couple of weeks, so I think you're seeing something else that's started negating this rankings boost. Maybe they just discovered some changes or a new page or links on your site that's reducing your rankings. Tough to know without knowing the site. And checking your rankings is a pain these days with the effects of personalization and localization and other factors that keep the results fluctuating. Even the time of day can have an effect now. One of my sites that is well-established and whose links just don't change, bounces between its "normal" ranking for its primary keywords at #19 during most of the day. But it ranks at #5 or #7 during nights and weekends. Its like a cell phone plan. I do most of my ranking checks lately through a proxy so I don't have to keep logging in and out of my Google account.
You mention a few interesting points in your posts. I, too, noticed the fluctuations throughout the day. Mine were not that dramatic, however. I would go from 5th to 9th to 7th and back to 5th. I am really curious what could've taken me 11 spots down the list. Perhaps I experienced a "reversed sandbox" and now it is time to get back on top by building good link exchanges.