By Shad Super in Questions —

What Documentation or Evidence Should Be Provided When Submitting a Reconsideration Request After Addressing a Manual Action?

Summary

When submitting a reconsideration request after addressing a manual action, comprehensive documentation should include detailed descriptions of the issues that were fixed, the steps taken during the resolution process, and supporting evidence. Relevant examples and best practices are outlined below, with authoritative sources for further guidance.

Understanding the Manual Action

Identify the Problem

First, understand the specific manual action applied to your site by reviewing the notification sent through your Google Search Console account. This notice typically outlines the violations that need addressing.

For further details on different types of manual actions and their causes, refer to Google's official documentation [Google Search Console Help, 2023].

Corrective Actions Taken

Steps for Compliance

  • Fix Detailed Issues: Provide a step-by-step explanation of how specific issues listed in the manual action were resolved.
  • Quality Improvements: Explain any broader efforts made to improve site quality, beyond the specific issues cited in the manual action.

Supporting Evidence

Thoroughly document changes and improvements made to your site using the following types of evidence:

  • Screenshots: Include before-and-after screenshots showing fixes.
  • Code Samples: Share snippets of corrected HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code.
  • Log Files and Reports: Provide server logs or third-party tool reports (e.g., site audits) to substantiate your claims.
  • URL Lists: Submit URLs that were affected and have been corrected.

Examples of Common Manual Actions

If the manual action relates to unnatural links, describe how you removed or disavowed such links. Provide a comprehensive list of removed links, supported by a disavow file submission if necessary.

For more on handling unnatural links, see this guide by Google [Link Schemes, 2023].

Poor Quality Content

In cases of poor-quality content, document how you revised or removed low-quality pages. Include specific examples showing substantial improvements.

Learn more about Google's content quality standards here: [Google Search Quality Guidelines, 2023].

Submitting the Reconsideration Request

Writing the Request

Your reconsideration request should be clear, concise, and honest. Explain each issue addressed and back up your claims with the evidence gathered.

Refer to this comprehensive explanation by Google: [Reconsideration Requests, 2023].

Monitoring and Follow-Up

After submission, regularly check Google Search Console for updates on the reconsideration request. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by Google's review team.

Conclusion

Successfully submitting a reconsideration request involves a thorough understanding of the manual action taken, detailed documentation of corrective measures, and clear, supported communication with Google. Following these best practices can help ensure a positive outcome.

References