On December 14, 2022, Google released a new and improved version of their link spam update. It was the second update of this kind in 2022, with the first released in October. The October update expanded the scope of the spam detection system to include content in all languages, not just English. Moreover, it had a global impact on website traffic and resulted in many deindexed pages and lost keywords. However, websites that publish genuinely helpful and high-quality content have started to see an increase in organic traffic. This effect indicates Google’s commitment to improving the quality of search results across the web.
Unlike the previous spam update, which only targeted links on websites, the December 2022 update uses Google’s powerful AI-based spam detection system to identify websites that buy links and the sites used for publishing them. This update represents a significant step forward in Google’s efforts to neutralize the impact of spam links on search results. And as of 2023, we can already see its effects on rankings. While some websites benefited from this update, others using black hat techniques have recorded a drop of over -50% in rankings.
Instead of penalizing websites with unnatural links, the December 2022 link spam update will “neutralize” the impact of such links on search results. This practice is a shift from the traditional approach of penalizing websites for having such links and will help promote fair and organic search results. The impact of this update on ranking depends on the extent to which a website relies on the artificial manipulation of search rankings through link spam. Sites that engage in inorganic link building may experience a ranking decline as spammy links are neutralized, and any credit passed by these links is lost.
Before the December 2022 link spam update, users may have encountered irrelevant search results due to websites with numerous backlinks, but those results have now been removed. If your website experienced a decline in rankings, addressing any issues resulting from this link spam update is essential. This includes identifying and eliminating spammy links, submitting a reconsideration request to Google, and building high-quality, natural backlinks.
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It is vital to monitor your website’s performance in search results to track any changes and adapt your SEO strategy. You should create valuable content that other websites will naturally want to link to and reach out to other sites to establish partnerships or collaborations. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the types of links considered unnatural and avoid any practices that may be regarded as spam.
Fortunately, we can help you combat the December 2022 link spam update and maintain a positive relationship with Google. Our team of SEO experts knows how to distinguish between valuable links that help the site and detrimental ones. We’ll remove any unnatural links from your website and substantially improve your site’s accessibility, speed, and content.
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President and Co-founder, SEO Expert(Eng. & MBA) Mihai Tudorache
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