Google's Disavow Links Tool: Can This Work?

As a clean link profile now holds the key to success; SEO consultants rejoiced at the introduction of the new disavow tool; simplifying the bad link recovery process and allowing the websites who have suffered, to regain their PageRank.

Major Issue

Google's duty is to ensure that users are provided with the best search experience possible which is where your links play a key role; with Google itself stating in its blog:

 "Links are one of the most well-known signals we use to order search results. By looking at the links between pages, we can get a sense of which pages are reputable and important, and thus more likely to be relevant to our users. This is the basis of PageRank, which is one of more than 200 signals we rely on to determine rankings. Since PageRank is so well-known, it's also a target for spammers, and we fight link spam constantly with algorithms and by taking manual action".

The latest algorithm updates require sites to ensure they remain clean cut with only the most appropriate content and links; and within the past few weeks the search engine has now introduced a new tool designed to assist in the 'clean-up' of your website – the Disavow links tool!

 

 

                         

What do you need to do?

The immediate understanding of the tool is simple; to clean up a bad link profile. However, the disavow tool is not a replacement for making link removal request. Those with a bad link profile will no doubt have received an "unnatural" or "artificial" link warning message from Google, who will have spotted evidence of possible paid links and link farming. However; the search engine states it is vital that, all bad links are manually removed so as to get to the root of the issue.

How can you be sure which links will require removal?

If you have received an "unnatural" or "artificial" link warning message from Google then they will list a few examples of the bad links and will provide guides and assistance. Unfortunately, to avoid providing spammers with the ultimate guide; the search engine will not list the exact number of links you will need to remove.

A great place to start your link clean-up will be in the 'Links to your site' feature in webmaster tools. This tool lists all of the sites that are linking to you and allows you to download a file containing all of them; it is deemed the best place from which to begin your investigation.  

 

 

Warning: The disavow tool has been designed for use by those with advanced webmaster knowledge; only use this if you really know what you are doing.

The prime purpose of the tool is to assist websites who have been affected by negative SEO (often as a result of working with a poor quality company). Bad links can occur as a result of many reasons and despite Google's constant attempts to protect your site; bad linking can not only harm your ranking but your reputation.

You must manually contact all sites, directories and blogs that you no longer wish to be linked to and if, after a strenuous search you discover you can do no more; then the disavow tool can assist.

The tool will ask Google to ignore the remainder of the bad links in your profile but for those trying to pull a fast one and get out of the hard work; the search engine will be able to figure out if you have been doing any of the hard clean-up work yourself or you are hoping the tool will do everything for you.

Cleaning up a link profile can be really time consuming and difficult; particularly if you come across a blog or directory refusing to assist. The Google disavow tool is the last bit of clean-up, for those who have a few niggly bits that still need sorting.

The disavow tool is a great assistance and can ensure that you will be able to pursue a successful reconsideration request however; it must not be taken lightly. For those with no webmaster knowledge, one slip and you may find that your entire link profile has disappeared so unless you really know what you are doing; don't press a single button.

Want some advice on using the disavow tool? Contact us and we'll help!