Google keeps rolling out updates on its algorithm, search index changes and refreshes. It’s a continuous process, and you must stay up to date with the latest changes to ensure your strategies are still working.
Last December, Google took 29 days to roll out a link spam update. The update started last December 14th and finished last January 12th.
What is a Link Spam Update?
Google said that the Link Spam Update states that “Ranking may change as spammy links are neutralized and any credit passed by these unnatural links are lost. This launch will affect all languages.”
What is SpamBrain?
SpamBrain is Google’s AI-based spam prevention system that was launched in 2018. SpamBrain’s algorithm is intended to accurately identify spam and low-quality websites. Your website helps the algorithms “learn,” and they get better over time. It will continue to penalize you if it discovers that your website is still spammy.
This is beneficial to SEO since the algorithm improves over time. To avoid being caught in this algorithm, all you have to do is make sure that your website complies with Google’s requirements.
How do I know if I’m affected by this update?
Like with any of Google’s previous updates on the algorithm, there is no way to know that this update has hit your business. This update is considered a No Notice – No Manual Action, which means Google will not be issuing any notifications or reports on how the algorithm has affected your website.
If you do see changes or a drop in your visibility and traffic, then you were most likely hit by this update.
Best Practice for Google Updates
Google wrote that they will be continuing to fight spam, by constantly launching new methods in spam detection, in order to try and keep search results useful and of higher quality. Site owners should ensure they follow Google’s guidelines in producing higher-quality content and providing an excellent user experience, rather than manipulating links, in order to continue ranking highly in Google searches.
Best Practice for Google Updates
Want to know if you were affected by this Google Update? Or if you’d like to make sure you’re always on Google’s “Nice” list, our team at Jack Pine Media can help you produce quality content, build outstanding websites, and rank higher in Google searches.
Get in touch with us at Jack Pine Media and get a FREE marketing evaluation for your business. Proudly serving Washington and Idaho areas including Spokane, Post Falls, Hayden, Liberty Lake, and Coeur d’Alene.
