Edit Check Search Console for manual actions

Editing: Check Search Console for manual actions

<p>
    Google uses two types of actions to manage the quality of websites in its search results:
    <strong>algorithmic</strong> actions and <strong>manual actions</strong>. Manual actions are penalties applied by
    real human reviewers at Google when your website is found to violate Google’s <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/spam-policies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spam policies</a>.
    These actions can significantly reduce your site's visibility or even remove it from search listings entirely.
  </p>

<h2>🔍 What is a Manual Action?</h2>
  <p>
    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.
  </p>

<h3>Common Types of Manual Actions Include:</h3>
  <ul>
    <li><strong>Unnatural backlinks</strong> — participation in link schemes or buying/selling links.</li>
    <li><strong>Thin or low-quality content</strong> — pages with little to no original content.</li>
    <li><strong>Cloaking or sneaky redirects</strong> — showing different content to users and search engines.</li>
    <li><strong>Keyword stuffing or hidden text</strong> — manipulating content to affect rankings.</li>
    <li><strong>Spam generated by users</strong> — such as in comment sections or forums.</li>
    <li><strong>Pure spam</strong> — sites that use aggressive spam techniques with no value to users.</li>
  </ul>

<h2>🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Check for Manual Actions in Google Search Console</h2>

<ol>
    <li>Log in to your account at <a href="https://search.google.com/search-console" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Search Console</a>.</li>
    <li>Select the correct property (your website).</li>
    <li>On the left-hand sidebar, expand the <strong>“Security & Manual Actions”</strong> menu.</li>
    <li>Click on <strong>“Manual Actions”</strong>.</li>
    <li>Review the status:
      <ul>
        <li><strong>"No issues detected"</strong> — No penalties applied. Your site is clean.</li>
        <li><strong>One or more issues listed</strong> — Details about the manual action(s) applied will be shown along with affected pages.</li>
      </ul>
    </li>
  </ol>

<h2>📋 What the Manual Actions Page Tells You</h2>
  <ul>
    <li><strong>Type of violation</strong> (e.g., “Unnatural links to your site”).</li>
    <li><strong>Scope</strong> (entire site vs. specific URLs).</li>
    <li><strong>Examples</strong> of problematic URLs (usually limited).</li>
    <li><strong>Suggested Fix</strong> from Google’s documentation.</li>
    <li><strong>Option to Request a Review</strong> after fixing the issue.</li>
  </ul>

<h2>🔧 How to Fix Manual Actions</h2>

<p>Here’s a breakdown of how to fix your site depending on the type of manual action received:</p>

<h3>1. Unnatural Links</h3>
  <ul>
    <li>Remove as many spammy or purchased backlinks as possible.</li>
    <li>Use the <a href="https://search.google.com/search-console/disavow-links" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Disavow Tool</a> for links you can't remove.</li>
    <li>Ensure your site isn't linking out to spammy or low-quality websites.</li>
  </ul>

<h3>2. Thin Content</h3>
  <ul>
    <li>Improve the content on affected pages by adding original, useful, and in-depth information.</li>
    <li>Remove or merge low-value pages that serve no real purpose.</li>
  </ul>

<h3>3. Cloaking and Sneaky Redirects</h3>
  <ul>
    <li>Ensure that users and search engines are seeing the same content.</li>
    <li>Remove all misleading redirects or cloaking techniques.</li>
  </ul>

<h2>✍️ Submitting a Reconsideration Request</h2>
  <p>
    Once you’ve fixed the issues, return to the Manual Actions page and click <strong>“Request Review”</strong>. In your request:
  </p>
  <ul>
    <li><strong>Clearly explain what you fixed</strong> (e.g., removed paid links, updated thin content).</li>
    <li><strong>Show accountability</strong> — acknowledge mistakes rather than blame others.</li>
    <li><strong>Detail what you’ve done</strong> to prevent recurrence (e.g., installed link monitoring tools, trained content editors).</li>
  </ul>

<h2>⏳ What to Expect After Requesting a Review</h2>
  <ul>
    <li>Google usually responds within a few days to a few weeks.</li>
    <li>If successful, the penalty will be removed, and rankings may gradually improve.</li>
    <li>If denied, you’ll get feedback. Fix unresolved issues and reapply.</li>
  </ul>

<h2>✅ Proactive Tips to Avoid Manual Actions</h2>
  <ul>
    <li>Conduct regular SEO audits using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Screaming Frog.</li>
    <li>Monitor backlinks regularly and disavow spammy ones proactively.</li>
    <li>Follow Google’s <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Search Essentials</a> guidelines.</li>
    <li>Use HTTPS and secure your site from spam and hacking.</li>
    <li>Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated to avoid vulnerabilities.</li>
  </ul>

<h2>📚 Useful Resources</h2>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9044175" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google’s Manual Actions Help Page</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://developers.google.com/search/docs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Search Central Documentation</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://search.google.com/search-console" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Search Console Login</a></li>
    <li><a href="https://ahrefs.com/backlink-checker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ahrefs Free Backlink Checker</a></li>
  </ul>

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