Google rolls out new Spam Update

Google today rolled out its latest spam update. This update aims to further improve search quality by identifying and penalizing websites that violate Google's spam policies.

According to Google, the rollout is expected to take up to one week to complete, and Google will provide updates on the Search Status Dashboard.

While Google's automated systems constantly work to detect and combat search spam, the company periodically implements significant improvements to these systems. These updates are referred to as spam updates, and Google maintains a list of these updates alongside other ranking updates.

One key component of Google's anti-spam efforts is SpamBrain, an AI-powered system that continuously learns to identify different types of spam.

What to do if your site is affected

Websites experiencing ranking changes following a spam update should review Google's spam policies: to ensure compliance. Sites that violate these policies may see a decline in search rankings or even disappear from search results altogether.

Recovering from a penalty can take time, even if a website makes the necessary changes to comply with Google's guidelines. Google's automated systems typically take months to reassess a website's compliance.

In the case of a link-based spam update, which specifically targets websites that engage in manipulative link-building practices, making changes to a website may not lead to immediate ranking recovery. This is because when Google identifies and removes the effects of spammy links, any ranking benefit those links may have previously provided is lost.

Transparency regarding Site Reputation Abuse

Google's Search Liaison Danny Sullivan has emphasized, on multiple occasions, that the company will clearly communicate when it takes algorithmic action against websites based on site reputation abuse. As of June 20, 2024, this is not the case with the current spam update.

The Google Search Central Twitter account, @googlesearchc, and the Google Search Liaison Twitter account, @searchliaison, are valuable resources for staying updated on Google's search algorithm changes and other relevant announcements.

It is important to avoid excessive speculation regarding the specifics of the update. Google is unlikely to disclose all the details of its spam-fighting algorithms to maintain their effectiveness against evolving spam techniques.

The June 2024 spam update highlights Google's ongoing commitment to improving search quality and user experience. While the impact of the update may not be immediately apparent for all websites, it is crucial for website owners and SEO professionals to stay informed about these updates and ensure their websites comply with Google's guidelines. Focusing on creating high-quality content and building backlinks through genuine practices remains a sound SEO strategy in the long run.