Google Premier Partner
Meta Business PartnerWhat is a Google penalty?
A Google penalty is the informal term for a website ranking lower or disappearing from Google because it breaks Google’s spam policies. It can mean a manual action, which Google reports in Search Console, or an algorithmic drop that you receive no notice of. So not every traffic drop is a penalty.
Why is a Google penalty important?
- Major impact: you can lose a lot of organic traffic and revenue.
- Knowing the difference: only with a manual action do you get a notice and can ask for a review.
- Prevention is easier: following the guidelines avoids the problem.
Examples of a Google penalty
- A manual action because a site bought many links.
- A site with thin, copied pages that drops after a spam update.
- Not a penalty: a drop after a core update, because other pages were rated better.
How do you deal with a Google penalty?
First check Google Search Console for a manual action. If there is one, fix the problem it describes and submit a reconsideration request. If not, work out whether an update or a technical error is the cause. Need help? See our SEO services.