Google Backlink Warning – Do you have unnatural backlinks?

23 April 2012

Over the next couple months we are expecting some major changes to the natural search results in Google. Google engineer Matt Cutts, has reported changes to the rules for ‘over optimized’ websites and Google will now penalize websites with ‘spammy backlinks’ or any websites using automated software to build backlinks. Build My Rank is probably the most well known software to be hit by this latest update.

Here is an example of the type of email being received by websites who have abused Google’s guidelines:

Dear site owner or webmaster of http://example.com/,

We’ve detected that some of your site’s pages may be using techniques that are outside Google’s Webmaster Guidelines.

Specifically, look for possibly artificial or unnatural links pointing to your site that could be intended to manipulate PageRank. Examples of unnatural linking could include buying links to pass PageRank or participating in link schemes.

We encourage you to make changes to your site so that it meets our quality guidelines. Once you’ve made these changes, please submit your site for reconsideration in Google’s search results.

If you find unnatural links to your site that you are unable to control or remove, please provide the details in your reconsideration request.

If you have any questions about how to resolve this issue, please see our Webmaster Help Forum for support.

Sincerely,
Google Search Quality Team

Don’t bury your head in the sand

If you receive this type of email please do not ignore it. The general consensus amongst the SEO community is a grace period of approximately 21 days to resolve your backlink problem and submit your reconsideration request before action is taken. However some websites have already received a penalty without warning. It’s very much dependent on the extent of how many poor ‘spammy’ backlinks you have.

We can help

If you require assistance to sort out your backlinks or need any advice on reputable SEO that adheres to Google’s guidelines then please get in touch.