Google has announced the successful completion of its October 2023 Spam Update as of October 20. Initially revealed on October 4, this update aims to provide users with a cleaner, more relevant search experience, particularly for non-English queries.
The rollout was complete as of October 20, 2023.
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) October 20, 2023
How Google is combating spam
Google uses a combination of automated tools and human assessment to identify and demote spammy websites. Among these tools is SpamBrain, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to adapt to new spam strategies. Periodic updates like the one just rolled out help Google stay ahead in the ongoing battle against spam.
What Google deems as spam
Google has clear guidelines about what it considers spam, listed in its official spam policies. These include:
- Hidden text or links that are only visible to search engines but not to users.
- Content is generated automatically with little or no value to the user.
- Unauthorised large-scale scraping of articles from other sources.
- Pages cluttered with intrusive ads.
- Low-quality affiliate content overly focused on revenue generation.
- Deceptive pages are designed to mislead search engines.
- False or misleading commercial practices.
Google advises website owners to concentrate on offering an honest, transparent user experience to perform well in post-update rankings.
How to adapt your website
For those whose sites have suffered due to this update, it's essential to reevaluate your content and SEO tactics. Look for low-quality affiliate pages, hidden text, copied content, and a surplus of ads. If your site uses any overly promotional or misleading strategies, you'll need to make adjustments.
Reviewing backlinks and conducting website checkups will help you spot any potential issues. Quick corrective action is advised.
The best way to remain in Google's good books is to provide a high-quality user experience. Producing engaging, unique content is the most effective way to avoid falling foul of Google's spam algorithms.
Tips for publishers
Website owners should focus on creating and publishing valuable, original content to minimise the impact of Google's spam updates. Thin or duplicated content is more likely to suffer from algorithmic changes. Keeping a close eye on your backlinks and conducting routine website audits are good habits to develop. Concentrating on user experience rather than quick fixes or deceptive tactics will serve your website well in the long run.
