Another name for manual action, a penalty imposed by Google staff for violating guidelines.
Why a Manual Penalty Matters
A manual penalty is one of the most serious issues a website can face. It matters because it is a direct signal that a website has been caught engaging in a manipulative or deceptive practice. It is a clear violation of Google’s guidelines and a major part of your website’s E-E-A-T signals. A website that has received a manual penalty is seen as untrustworthy and as a low-quality resource. It can lead to a significant drop in rankings and a loss of organic traffic. The only way to recover from a manual penalty is to fix the issue, which can be a long and difficult process.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of a manual penalty is a technical and content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can receive a manual penalty for a variety of reasons, such as using a plugin that creates a link farm or engaging in a deceptive link-building tactic. The best way to manage this is to use a white-hat SEO strategy.
Shopify
On Shopify, a manual penalty is not a common practice. However, you can receive a penalty for a deceptive link-building tactic or for using a black-hat app.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still receive a manual penalty. A penalty can be for a deceptive link-building tactic or for using a black-hat app.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated SEO strategy. However, you can still receive a manual penalty for a deceptive link-building tactic or for using a black-hat app.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use a manual penalty will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce websites that use a black-hat app or a dishonest link-building strategy may be manually penalized. Sales and organic traffic can both decline significantly as a result of a penalty.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can receive a manual penalty for a deceptive link-building tactic or for using a black-hat app. A penalty can lead to a significant drop in sales and a loss of organic traffic.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can receive it for a deceptive link-building tactic or for using a black-hat app. A penalty can lead to a significant drop in sales and a loss of organic traffic.
Blogs
Blogs can receive it for a deceptive link-building tactic or for using a black-hat app. A penalty can lead to a significant drop in sales and a loss of organic traffic.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do check your Google Search Console. The Manual Actions report will show you if you have it.
- Do fix the issue. You must fix the issue before you submit a reconsideration request.
- Do submit a reconsideration request. This is the only way to remove the penalty.
Don’ts
- Don’t ignore it. It can grow exponentially over time and become a huge problem.
- Don’t use a black hat link building tactic. This can lead to a severe penalty.
- Don’t ignore the importance of a brand. The Knowledge Graph is a key part of your brand’s reputation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to check for a manual penalty: This is the most common mistake. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring the data: The data from a keyword rank tracking tool can provide invaluable insights into your SEO strategy.
- Focusing on a single metric: A good SEO monitoring strategy includes a mix of metrics, such as rankings, organic traffic, and conversions.
FAQs
What is the difference between a manual penalty and an algorithmic penalty?
It is a direct punishment from a human reviewer at Google. An algorithmic penalty is an automatic demotion in rankings that is triggered by a search engine’s algorithm.
How can I find a manual penalty on my website?
You can find it on your website by checking the Manual Actions report in Google Search Console. It will show you if you have a manual penalty and will provide a reason.
What is a “reconsideration request”?
A reconsideration request is a request that you submit to Google after you have fixed an issue that caused a manual penalty. It is the only way to remove the penalty.
Can a website with a manual penalty still rank?
A website with it may still rank, but it can be difficult. A manual penalty is a clear signal that a website is a low-quality resource, which can lead to a lower ranking and a loss of organic traffic.
How long does it take to recover from a manual penalty?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to recover from a manual penalty. The timeline depends on the severity of the penalty and how quickly you fix the issue.
