By Shad Super in Questions —

How Does the Resolution of a Manual Action Impact the Recovery of a Website’s Search Rankings?

Summary

The resolution of a manual action can significantly influence the recovery of a website's search rankings. Typically, recovery involves a thorough review of the issues cited in the manual action, addressing those issues comprehensively, and submitting a reconsideration request. The time it takes for search rankings to recover can vary based on the severity of the violations and the quality of the fixes applied.

Understanding Manual Actions

What is a Manual Action?

Manual actions are penalties applied by Google when a website violates its Webmaster Guidelines. Unlike algorithmic penalties, manual actions are initiated by human reviewers who identify issues such as unnatural links, thin content, or spammy practices [Manual Actions, 2023].

Examples of common violations include unnatural inbound links, thin or duplicate content, hidden text, doorway pages, and structured data issues.

Steps to Resolve a Manual Action

1. Identify the Issue

The first step in resolving a manual action is to identify the specific reason for the penalty. Google provides details of the manual action in Google Search Console. Review this information to understand what specific guidelines were violated [Identifying Manual Actions, 2016].

2. Address the Issues

Once the problem is identified, make all necessary corrections. This might include removing harmful backlinks, improving content quality, or fixing technical issues. Ensure that all violations are comprehensively addressed. For example, use the disavow tool to disavow any spammy backlinks if manual action was due to unnatural links [Link Schemes, 2023].

3. Submit a Reconsideration Request

After addressing the issues, submit a reconsideration request to Google. This request should include a detailed explanation of the steps taken to resolve the issues. Transparency and thorough documentation are key to a successful request. For more detailed instructions, check the [Reconsideration Requests Guide, 2023].

Impact on Search Rankings

Immediate Post-Resolution Phase

Once a manual action is lifted, the website’s rankings do not usually return to their former state immediately. The site must reestablish itself in Google's eyes as a credible and authoritative source. During this phase, continuous monitoring and additional improvements might be necessary [Manual Penalty Recovery, 2019].

Gradual Recovery

The recovery process from a manual action is typically gradual. The time frame can vary significantly from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the penalty and the competitiveness of the niche. For example, if significant linkage patterns were disrupted, it could take more time for the site's ranking and traffic to stabilize and gradually improve.

Example Case

Consider a website penalized for buying backlinks. After receiving the manual action, the site owner disavows bad links and submits a reconsideration request. Post-penalty lifting, the website might see initial fluctuations in rankings. A gradual increase is expected as Google reevaluates and recalculates the site's backlink profile over several months.

Best Practices Post-Manual Action

Maintain Compliance

Ensure ongoing compliance with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines to avoid future penalties. Engage in white-hat SEO practices, such as creating high-quality content, building natural backlinks, and maintaining a technically sound website [Webmaster Guidelines, 2023].

Monitor Regularly

Regularly monitor the website using tools like Google Search Console and third-party SEO tools to detect any potential issues early and prevent future manual actions [SEO Audit Guide, 2020].

Continuous Improvement

Focus on ongoing improvements to user experience, page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and overall site authority to enhance search rankings organically over time [Why Performance Matters, 2023].

Conclusion

While the resolution of a manual action is a critical step towards recovering search rankings, it requires patience and continuous effort. The recovery process is multifaceted, involving immediate fixes, submission of reconsideration requests, and ongoing adherence to SEO best practices.

References