Google is back with another algorithm update. This time it is Google Link Spam update. Here is all you need to know about this update. Let’s cut to the chase
What is Google Link Spam Update?
Google has began rolling out the “Link Spam Update’ on 26 July and it will continue to roll out throughout the next two weeks. With this update, Google is making its algorithms more effective and recognising and nullifying link spam. In other words, this link spam update basically targets spammy links or dummy links more broadly and across multiple languages. This update will avoid intentional attempts to make pages rank by using advanced link spam.
Here is an official Tweet by Google search Central
If your website does not comply with the guidelines for Link Schemes according to Google, then the chances for you to see a drop in rank of your page is more.
Google stated in the official announcement-
“In our continued efforts to improve the quality of the search results, we’re launching a new link spam fighting change today — which we call the “link spam update.” This algorithm update, which will rollout across the next two weeks, is even more effective at identifying and nullifying link spam more broadly, across multiple languages. Sites taking part in link spam will see changes in Search as those links are re-assessed by our algorithms.”
Key Takeaways of this Link Spam update
- “Nullifying” does not necessarily mean that Google will be penalizing sites, but instead it will simply ignore or will not count it. Penguin 4.0 was launched in 2016, since then Google’s efforts around link spam have always been to ignore and not count these spammy links.
- It may look like that Google is not penalizing sites. But, if Google ignore or nullify links that may have helped to rank your page, it may feel like a penalty to you. So, remember if you see any sharper drop in your site’s ranking in the next two weeks, it might be related to this Google link spam update.
- So, sites that use excessive cross-linking to partner sites, automated programs that create links to your site, bought or sold links, will be targeted by Google link spam update. The announcement by Google has made a specific emphasis on targeting links from guest, sponsored, and affiliate content.
- Google has also made it clear that unnatural links or not editorially placed links will be ranked lower in the search results.
What has Google advised?
Google has given its guidance in the following words-
“Site owners should make sure that they are following the best practices on links, both incoming and outgoing. Focusing on producing high quality content and improving user experience always wins out compared to manipulating links. Promote awareness of your site using appropriately tagged links, and monetize it with properly tagged affiliate links.”
What you should do to be in compliance with the update?
Here is what we can make out of the official announcement made by Google
- Google is reminding website owners to qualify links appropriately while linking to other sites.
- Websites must add tags to links where there is a value exchange between the two domains.
- Google is specifically picking out links from sponsored, guest content, and affiliate links.
The Bottom Line
As you must be aware that these algorithm updates are very important for every website. If your website is not in compliance with these updates, you may see a drop in your site’s ranking. With this particular update, it is important for you to qualify the above types of links appropriately. When you are in compliance with these algorithm updates, your site will not see any sharp drop in ranking. So, don’t forget to update your site in accordance with the link spam update. For more articles on Google Algorithm and social media updates, just get in touch with us.
