Google has recently completed the rollout of its October 2023 Spam Update, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to combat spam.
This update has come soon after the completion of the October 2023 Core Update.
In their efforts to combat spam, Google focused on cleaning up various types of spam that were reported by users searching in their native languages.
From cloaking to hacked, auto-generated, and scraped spam; this update aims to reduce the prevalence of these spam tactics in search results.
The rollout was complete as of October 20, 2023.
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) October 20, 2023
Improved Language Coverage and Visible Spam Reduction
Google’s commitment to language diversity shines through in this update.
While primarily targeting Turkish, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Hindi, Chinese, and other languages; the improvements extend beyond these specific languages.
Google’s spam policies are put in place to protect users.
The goal is to provide a more helpful and spam-free experience for users worldwide.
What Google Considers Spammy or Misleading
Google has highlighted which practices are considered spammy, and will therefore be penalized.
Cloaking
When different content is shown to users and search engines in order to manipulate search rankings and deceive users.
Doorways
Doorways are sites or pages created to rank for specific search queries.
They lead users to intermediate pages that are less useful than the intended final destination.
Hacked Content
Hacked content refers to any content placed on a site without permission, typically due to vulnerabilities in the site’s security.
This type of content gives poor search results and may even install malicious content on users’ devices
Hidden Text or Links
Google explicitly prohibits the use of hidden text or links that are invisible to users but visible to search engines.
Such practices are deemed spammy and can result in negative consequences.
To ensure that your links are qualified, Google suggests following these best practices for links.
Automatically Generated Content
Content created solely for the purpose of generating traffic, without offering substantial value to users, is considered spam by Google.
Websites should focus on delivering high-quality, informative content to avoid falling into this category.
Scraped Content and Excessive Ads
Large-scale scraping of articles and pages overloaded with distracting ads are practices that Google frowns upon.
These tactics impede user experience and are actively discouraged.
Why It Matters
Google’s latest spam update serves as a crucial reminder for website owners to stay informed about best practices.
If your site has been negatively affected, it’s essential to thoroughly review your content and SEO strategies.
When conducting the review, pay special attention to potential issues such as thin affiliate pages, hidden text, scraped content, and excessive ads.
Make sure to correct any tactics that may be perceived as overly promotional or misleading.
To maintain a healthy online presence, it is crucial to stay up to date with Google’s spam guidelines and regularly conduct website audits.
By doing so, you can ensure that your website stays compliant and avoids any negative impact caused by spam updates.
For publishers aiming to safeguard their websites from Google’s spam updates, focus on consistently delivering high-quality content.
By prioritizing this aspect, you can proactively reduce the likelihood of being adversely affected.
Remember, staying informed, conducting regular audits, and prioritizing high-quality content are essential steps to navigate Google’s evolving landscape successfully.
