How to Avoid Getting Your Website Banned by Google

With the search landscape getting more and more competitive, it is natural for search engines particularly the search engine giant, Google, to come up with ways to make the competition fair for everyone. No wonder Google algorithm updates abound, and digital marketers are trying to keep up with the pace as much as they can to keep their website relevant and in the lead.

There are many reasons why your website can get banned on Google. If you are practicing any of these, let’s just say you have been warned.

1.      Participating in link schemes.

2.      Selling links to increase Google PageRank value.

3.      Buying links that have high Google PageRank value.

4.      Duplicating content for the sole purpose of increasing website credibility.

5.      Cloaking.

6.      Spamming.

7.      Unnatural links on your website.

8.  Using keywords not relevant to the business of the website or using keywords way too frequently.

9.      Subscribing to link farms and other manipulative link building strategies.

10.   Unnatural anchor text distribution

There are cases wherein these black hat SEO practices are being done intentionally while there are others who get a Google notice without knowing that they are violating the guidelines. Whatever position you are in the spectrum, how do you avoid getting banned by Google?

1.      Do not trick the system. If you think that you can outsmart Google, think again. Not only are they smarter than you by a hundred miles, but they have the authority also to control the system. It is in the constant updating of the system that keeps search engines fair for those who want to use it in the most honest way possible. Ultimately, there are more Google Don'ts than those listed above. Do not wait for your website to be blocked with all the tricks you have managed to get away with in the past. It is just not worth it.

2.      Be wary of the links that point to your website. There are tools today that you can use to check who is pointing to your website. You might be surprised where your links are if you do not check it as often as you should. And with Google algorithms regularly updated, the link building practices you have employed last year may be a cause of stress for you this year. Check where your website links are found. If these can still be found in abandoned forums and unrelated websites, take action immediately.

3.      Read and be updated. The only weapon in this constantly changing search landscape is to be updated with the news. Make time to read reputable blogs that detail new guidelines in the Google algorithms. By keeping posted with what is recent, you can make the necessary changes on your website before Google detects it. Relying on search engines for your marketing requirements means being updated with its rules. Knowledge is your best defense to make search work on your side.

SEO may not bear fruit immediately, but if you stay patient and keep in compliance with the rules, you will be surprised at how everything will fall into the right place.