Google has again come with a link spam algorithm update that starts rolling from July 26, 2021.
This is a new spam algorithm that is rolling out and will be done in the next two weeks.
This link spam update aims at fighting link spam more broadly to search results in multiple languages then the last two spam updates.
Google is warning the site owners who are involved in link spam may need to change their rankings.
Table of Contents
The 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.
If you monetize your websites and blogs with affiliate links or sponsored and guest posts, it’s very important to qualify these 🔗 🔗 links. Learn more about commercial links and link spam → https://t.co/piENjy5azO pic.twitter.com/joqIvPFXlE
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) July 26, 2021
In Google Search Central Blog, they have used a word “nullifying”.
Now Nullifying does not necessarily mean “penalize,” but instead, to invalidate/null or simply not count.
So, suppose if due to link spam backlinks your keywords were ranking, now they won’t!
Affiliate Links : Google suggests sites who are participating in affiliate programs to qualify these links with rel=“sponsored”, regardless of whether these links were created manually or dynamically.
Google said:
As a part of our ongoing effort to improve ranking for product-related searches and better reward high-quality content, when we find sites failing to qualify affiliate links appropriately, we may issue manual actions to prevent these links from affecting Search, and our systems might also take algorithmic actions. Both manual and algorithmic actions may affect how we see a site in Search, so it’s good to avoid things that may cause actions, where possible.
Links from sponsored posts: Google asks website owners to mark up the rel=“sponsored” value for advertisements links (commonly called paid links).
Links from guest posts: Links from guest posts are to be marked up with the rel=“nofollow” attribute.
Google’s Duy Nguyen published a blog post on 26th July about link spam and its best practices that you can read here.
Notes on Link Spam Update:
- Rollout will be completed in the next two weeks.
- This algorithm update is a world-wide update impacting multiple languages across the globe then the previous two spam updates.
- This update will identify and nullify link spam available on Google Search Engine.
- Ignoring links feels like a penalty.
- This update will impact both incoming and outgoing links.
- If you are working according to Google Guidelines this update will not affect your site.
- Google cautions that changes in rankings are highly possible for some site owners due to bad link practices.
- Both manual and algorithmic actions could be taken, so it’s good to avoid things that may cause actions, where possible.
Steps To Recover From Link Spam Update:
I would suggest SEO professionals and site owners, not to rush and do quick changes on your website.
Let the update be over and then you can decide what to do..
If there is still drop in your ranking, follow the below checklist:
- Avoid Paid Links.
- Completely ignore link exchange. schemes.
- Avoid working on Low-quality directory or bookmark site links.
- Publish High Quality User Oriented Content.
- Follow Google Guidelines
I think Google is being more focused to provide better user experience to its users and because of that these updates are taking place.
Also, these updates is making the search engine more smarter.
What do you think?
Did you observe any changes in your site’s ranking due to this update?
Mention in the comments section..
