For Search Engine Optimization & Web Design Companies: This could be a curveball to how work is done. Symptoms will include client rankings dropping drastically due to "black hat" techniques being used that include spammy link building and advertorials (to name a few), which are some of the main reasons for Google's Penguin update. These companies are going to be exposed, as there have been countless warnings from Google about best SEO practices and unfortunately, their clients are the ones that will be left "footing the bill".
For Companies: It's more important than ever for companies to have a "handle" on what's being done to improve/effect your search engine rankings. If you're paying a "discount SEO company" to help you, and you've seen results in the past: now is the time to re-evaluate what they're doing for you.
If you have not seen a decline in search rankings, you're lucky, but Google's proving they're cracking down on the "shortcuts". Only those companies will prevail that generate great content for their website that is helpful for prospective customers.
Review our InfoGraphic for some key takeaways around which you should be designing your website (and internet marketing strategy):
It's never been more important to make sure that you (or your clients') websites have been recently updated, and are on par with the latest Google guidelines.