Webspam, also known as search spam refers to those webpages that attempt to spam Google’s search results. They do by thus using techniques that are against the guidelines published by Google. Typically, these pages make use of what is called black hat SEO techniques to try and boost their Google search ranking. Stuffing the page with keywords and other such methods are used to try and improve the webpage ranking. This is against Google’s guidelines and hence is considered spam.
Google keeps working to identify such spam pages and take action against them. There are algorithms that are used by Google to detect and take on webspam. From time to time Google keeps updating these algorithms so that the fight against webspam can be effective. Google has released its webspam report for 2018 where it has outlined how it fought against webspam.
Hacked website spam
Google reports that though it cannot stop any website from being hacked, it is ready to help webmasters of the site to recover from the hacking. Hacking is a problem and affects search results. Hence, Google commits to offering resources to webpages that have been hacked to prevent the spammed pages for affecting search results or creating any other problems.
Spam by users
Spam posts have been a major problem for Google as it tends to affect their search results. This is referred to as user-generated spam. This kind of spam has no relevance for the page, forum, or blog where it has been posted. It is meant to affect search results. Google has been able to proactively identify such spam posts wherever it has been posted. This has ensured that these posts don’t affect search results. Google in its report claims that they have been able to reduce such spam posts by 80% in 2018. Google has also informed webmasters that they have many resources available that can be used to prevent such spam posts.
Link spam
Linking pages is one way to improve search engine results. Many webmasters misuse the linking option to try and improve their search results. Google has reported that its SEO starter guide very clearly specifies the best practices to be followed by websites. The guide clearly outlines what kind of links are acceptable and what are not. Bad linking made with an intention to spam search results is being identified and action taken. Google encourages users to report such link spams, so Working with everyone Google works with users and webmasters to improve the search filters and act on webspam.
Google received 180,000 search spam reports and was able to successfully act on 64% of the reports.
Google has highlighted how it offers various resources to help webmasters create quality content that can help them to get a higher search engine ranking.
Google now has the Search console that can provide a clear and detailed report to webmasters. Google has committed to continue working with webmasters to make searching on the web an experience free from spam.
