SMX Overtime: Answers to Your Questions About Google Penalties and Their Impact on Websites
As an international conference speaker, I have the unique opportunity to engage in discussions about SEO with numerous professionals in the field. At SMX London, certain topics and questions frequently arose, particularly concerns about linking and understanding Google penalties. Below are some of the questions posed during and after my presentation on Google Penalties at SMX London, along with my recommendations based on my experience working at Google Search and as a technical SEO consultant.
Backlinks, Penalties, and the Disavow Tool
Is the disavow tool used for anything other than addressing penalties? Is it worth investing time in it?
If your website has previously built links or naturally acquires many low-quality links, using the disavow tool is recommended. This tool helps dissociate a website from backlink risks. Removing or nofollowing backlinks is preferred, though more time-consuming. Currently, it’s the primary method for mitigating backlink risks with search engines. While Google has not confirmed any additional uses for the disavow data, it’s feasible to imagine potential algorithm training benefits derived from disavowed patterns.
What is the optimal PBN ratio?
For those referring to private blog networks for link building, the optimal ratio is zero. PBNs violate Google Webmaster Guidelines and are easily detectable, likely leading to undesirable Google scrutiny and penalties, reducing site rankings.
Have you witnessed the impact of using the disavow tool?
Yes, the disavow file is effective in addressing backlink penalties and reducing related risk levels.
Can a site be penalized beyond recovery?
Fortunately, any site can recover, though it may require significant effort, especially if spammy techniques were heavily used in the past. There are no unrecoverable sites.
Why doesn’t Google disclose algorithm penalties?
Google does not highlight the impact algorithms have as perceived penalties because these are not algorithmic penalties. They are updates that alter search visibility, not penalties.
What could cause Content Injection Security Issues even if you believe your site wasn’t hacked?
Drawing from my experience, false-positive security alerts are rare. If faced with a content injection warning, assume it is accurate. Crawl your website to identify the issue, and consider professional help if needed.
Do manual actions pertain to being in or out of the index, or can there be ranking declines?
Manual actions are nuanced. Only sites offering no value get removed from search results, and even these can apply for reconsideration. Manual actions can affect the whole site, subsites, or specific sections, depending on the violation’s severity.
What does a penalty look like, and how is it implemented?
The processes that lead to a manual spam action are secretive. It is a manual process, with multiple safeguards implemented.
Can a manual penalty occur without a notice in GSC?
No need to worry about recovering from a penalty if no manual spam action is noted in your Google Search Console.
If one of my sites gets a penalty, does it affect my other properties?
No, unless they also violate Google Webmaster Guidelines.
Have you seen the effect of disavowing links without a manual penalty?
Yes, disavowing can provide peace of mind concerning link risks.
How to manage hacked content warnings when the site isn’t genuinely hacked?
Hacked content warnings are typically accurate, and cleansing the site involves thorough crawling and potentially professional help if unsure.
Do quality raters evaluate link profiles for manual penalties?
Google Quality Raters test proposed algorithm changes and aren’t involved in applying manual actions or evaluating backlink profiles for webspam purposes.
Should disavow be used on spammy links identified during audits?
Audits once or twice a year suffice for most sites, with newly identified spammy links disavowed as necessary.
Do affiliate links affect authority or cause manual actions?
Affiliate links can be harmful and may lead to manual penalties. Ensure they don’t pass authority, and request a professional evaluation if unsure.
Is using disavow to prevent manual penalties worthwhile?
Depending on risk levels, periodic reviews and updates to your disavow file can mitigate risks without significant effort.
Can a competitor’s spam link actions lead to penalties for my site?
Negative SEO exists, and the disavow tool helps maintain control over backlinks.
Do disavow files impact algorithmic evaluation or only manual penalties?
By identifying links to ignore, disavow files can inform algorithmic calculations for search visibility and aid in manual penalty recovery.
Can short or duplicate content lead to penalties?
Yes, if the page lacks value or original, compelling content.
Does submitting a disavow file trigger a manual review?
Submitting a disavow file does not trigger manual review; it is an automated process.
Algorithms, Crawling, Indexing, and Google Search Console
Does Google weigh traffic through links for ranking?
No, traffic generated by a link does not influence Google rankings.
Advice for understanding indexing discrepancies between console and “site:” search results?
The site: operator gives a rough estimation, while Google Search Console provides more accurate data for SEO purposes.
How to set notifications for security issues in Google Search Console?
Notifications are automatic, with additional email alerts sent to the associated email address when issues arise.
Metrics for page speed and their impact on ranking?
Site performance is a significant ranking factor. Google offers numerous resources on improving performance, with fast sites holding competitive advantages.
Key regular checks on search console for competitive insights?
Competitor monitoring is often tedious and offers little insight. Focus on your site’s content and link profile, adhering to Google’s guidelines.
Concerns about SERP snippet CTR as a ranking factor?
CTR influences rankings as a user signal, but prioritize getting and converting users effectively rather than solely focusing on CTR for ranking.
Is Google aware of common ownership across domains?
Owning multiple domains is not a ranking factor, though Google can identify common ownership through available data.
Copying and marking up reviews with schema: is it beneficial?
Duplicating content adds no value and can harm content signals, akin to scraping.
Why doesn’t Google offer guidance on algorithm updates?
Google prioritizes user satisfaction and shares resources through various channels. Detailed algorithmic updates are less feasible due to frequent adjustments and potential misuse.
Considerations during a site migration beyond disavowing links?
Ensure the topic alignment of merging sites, use correct redirects, avoid migrating outdated content, and sustain internal linking to prevent orphan pages. Seek professional help for technical guidance.
AMP pages: beneficial or limiting for ranking?
AMP focuses on speed, which isn’t inherently a ranking factor but aids user experience. Depending on the site, its target audience, and infrastructure, AMP can be instrumental but presents certain limitations.
Connecting GSC to analytics: any SEO impact?
No negative impact on SEO.
Top features desired in new Search Console?
- URL Parameters and Structured Data overview.
- DNS error reports.
- Improved user experience, including UI speed, right-click options, property overviews, navigation, and visibility of applied filters.
Should site speed be tailored for Googlebot?
Provide a default, unpersonalized cached version for all users, enhancing the indexable content experience.
Why does Google ignore rel=canonical?
Technical SEO conflicts, such as incorrect canonical usage, can lead to Google ignoring them. Conduct a full technical SEO audit to resolve these issues.
Can Google personnel offer advice on algorithmic downgrades?
Google does not provide individual webmaster support. Alternatives include Google Webmaster Help Forums or Video sessions for potential guidance. Engage a skilled SEO professional for personal analysis.
Uncrawled or unindexed pages: what could be the reason if not technical issues?
Conflicting SEO signals can lead to this. A comprehensive SEO audit often reveals the underlying causes.
Google’s educational approach on algorithm updates—why limited specifics?
Google provides educational resources but cannot detail every algorithmic update due to overwhelming complexity and the risk of spammers exploiting such information.
More Questions?
For unanswered SEO queries or discussions about Google Search, attend the upcoming SMX East event in New York, where I will discuss various SEO topics and address questions, myths, and misconceptions. See you in November 2019 in New York City!
