Google uses two types of actions to manage the quality of websites in its search results:
algorithmic actions and manual actions. Manual actions are penalties applied by
real human reviewers at Google when your website is found to violate Google’s spam policies.
These actions can significantly reduce your site's visibility or even remove it from search listings entirely.
🔍 What is a Manual Action?
A manual action means your website has been flagged for breaching one or more of Google's quality guidelines. It’s a
signal that a human reviewer has identified potentially harmful SEO practices or manipulative behavior on your website.
Common Types of Manual Actions Include:
- Unnatural backlinks — participation in link schemes or buying/selling links.
- Thin or low-quality content — pages with little to no original content.
- Cloaking or sneaky redirects — showing different content to users and search engines.
- Keyword stuffing or hidden text — manipulating content to affect rankings.
- Spam generated by users — such as in comment sections or forums.
- Pure spam — sites that use aggressive spam techniques with no value to users.
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Check for Manual Actions in Google Search Console
- Log in to your account at Google Search Console.
- Select the correct property (your website).
- On the left-hand sidebar, expand the “Security & Manual Actions” menu.
- Click on “Manual Actions”.
- Review the status:
- "No issues detected" — No penalties applied. Your site is clean.
- One or more issues listed — Details about the manual action(s) applied will be shown along with affected pages.
📋 What the Manual Actions Page Tells You
- Type of violation (e.g., “Unnatural links to your site”).
- Scope (entire site vs. specific URLs).
- Examples of problematic URLs (usually limited).
- Suggested Fix from Google’s documentation.
- Option to Request a Review after fixing the issue.
🔧 How to Fix Manual Actions
Here’s a breakdown of how to fix your site depending on the type of manual action received:
1. Unnatural Links
- Remove as many spammy or purchased backlinks as possible.
- Use the Disavow Tool for links you can't remove.
- Ensure your site isn't linking out to spammy or low-quality websites.
2. Thin Content
- Improve the content on affected pages by adding original, useful, and in-depth information.
- Remove or merge low-value pages that serve no real purpose.
3. Cloaking and Sneaky Redirects
- Ensure that users and search engines are seeing the same content.
- Remove all misleading redirects or cloaking techniques.
✍️ Submitting a Reconsideration Request
Once you’ve fixed the issues, return to the Manual Actions page and click “Request Review”. In your request:
- Clearly explain what you fixed (e.g., removed paid links, updated thin content).
- Show accountability — acknowledge mistakes rather than blame others.
- Detail what you’ve done to prevent recurrence (e.g., installed link monitoring tools, trained content editors).
⏳ What to Expect After Requesting a Review
- Google usually responds within a few days to a few weeks.
- If successful, the penalty will be removed, and rankings may gradually improve.
- If denied, you’ll get feedback. Fix unresolved issues and reapply.
✅ Proactive Tips to Avoid Manual Actions
- Conduct regular SEO audits using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Screaming Frog.
- Monitor backlinks regularly and disavow spammy ones proactively.
- Follow Google’s Search Essentials guidelines.
- Use HTTPS and secure your site from spam and hacking.
- Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
📚 Useful Resources