By Shad Super in Questions —

How Can You Check if Your Site Has Been Subjected to a Manual Action Using the GSC Manual Actions Report?

Summary

The Google Search Console (GSC) Manual Actions report allows you to determine if your website has been subject to manual penalties by Google. This is crucial for maintaining your website’s search engine visibility and securing re-inclusion, if necessary. Below is a comprehensive guide to access and interpret the Manual Actions report in GSC.

Accessing the Manual Actions Report

Log into Google Search Console

First, ensure you are logged into your Google Search Console account. This can be done by navigating to Google Search Console. If prompted, select the property (website) you want to check.

Once inside the interface, go to the left-hand menu and find the option titled "Security & Manual Actions". Click on this, then select "Manual Actions". This will open the report that shows any manual actions taken against your website.

Understanding Manual Actions

Types of Manual Actions

Manual actions can vary widely, each addressing different kinds of infractions. Common types include:

  • Spammy structured markup
  • User-generated spam
  • Unnatural links to your site
  • Thin content with little or no added value
  • Pure spam

Detailed descriptions of different manual actions can be found on the Google Search Console Help page detailing Manual Actions.

Interpreting the Report

If your site has no manual actions, you will see a message stating "No issues detected". If there are issues, the report will detail the specific problems Google detected, the part of your site affected, and the actions you need to take to resolve them.

Resolving Manual Actions

Step-by-Step Resolution

Resolving manual actions involves addressing the specific issues outlined in the report. Here is the general process:

  1. Read the detailed description of the manual action.
  2. Follow the guidelines provided by Google on how to fix the issue.
  3. Make the necessary changes to your website.
  4. Submit a reconsideration request to Google, detailing the changes you've made to rectify the issue.

An example of the reconsideration process is detailed in Google's guide on Reconsideration Requests.

Maintaining Compliance

Regular Audits

Perform regular audits of your website to ensure ongoing compliance with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, which you can find here: Google Webmaster Guidelines.

Continuous Monitoring

Keep a close watch on GSC for any updates or new manual actions. This proactive approach will help you address potential issues before they escalate.

Useful Resources

Regularly consult authoritative resources like Google's Webmaster Central Blog and Search Developer Documentation to stay updated on best practices.

Conclusion

Checking for manual actions in Google Search Console is essential for maintaining your website's visibility in search results. By familiarizing yourself with the Manual Actions report, resolving any issues, and ensuring continuous compliance, you can safeguard your site from potential penalties.

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