Whenever your website mysteriously disappears from Google's search results, it's time to reach out to Google and ask for a second chance. This is done by sending what's called a reconsideration request.
Read this article to learn more about the reconsideration request, why it’s essential, and how to write one.
A reconsideration request is a message sent to Google's webspam team letting them know that you already fixed the problems that got you in trouble and promising they won’t happen again. If they agree when you request reconsideration, they'll lift the penalty from your website.
Real people at Google review these requests and decide if you've done enough to deserve a penalty removal.
Reconsideration requests are your lifeline when your website gets slapped with a manual penalty from Google. These penalties happen when your site breaks Google's rules for web admins. While Google's algorithms catch a lot, the tricky stuff needs a human touch to sort out.
So, sending a reconsideration request is an apology to Google, explaining how you fixed your website's issues. The reconsideration process is your way of making amends and getting back into Google's good books so your site can reappear in search results.
SEOLeverage audits your whole website to help you determine the issues that might have triggered Google.
In your request, you must spill out any sneaky tactics you have used to boost your website's rankings. You should be upfront about how these tactics crossed the line and violated Google's guidelines.
Be sure to point out the sources of your spammy work. These could include cloaking, using paid links, hanging out in bad online neighborhoods, or even unknowingly spreading malware.
The key here is to convince Google that you've not only fixed the issues that got you in trouble but also that you won't be going down that road again.
Reconsideration requests help websites when Google manually puts the brakes on their rankings, but it's essential to clarify that they aren't a ranking factor.
They won't come to your rescue if your site's ranking drops due to algorithm updates. They're meant explicitly for penalties and security concerns.
Google takes the time to review and respond to each one. If your request gets the green light, that penalty weight is lifted off your website.
On the flip side, if it's a rejection, don't fret. You can give it another shot after putting in more work to tackle the issues.
Sometimes, the rejection might happen because your request didn't give Google the complete picture. That's why keeping a record of your efforts is crucial.
But just fixing things behind the scenes won't cut it. You need to tell Google the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issues in your reconsideration request; otherwise, it won't help you bounce back from the penalty box.
And don't expect to shoot right back to your old rankings. After a penalty, your site will likely rank lower because your previous rankings might have been built on some shady tactics.
Document every move you make to fix your website's issues, and remember to mention them in your reconsideration request form. Show Google that you're actively working to make things right. Having this kind of record can make your message more organized and convincing.
Don’t skimp on the specific details, either. For example, if you contacted a website owner to get rid of a paid link and they ghosted you, keep a record of that conversation in your request.
To demonstrate that you've learned from your mistake, outline the preventive measures you're putting in place to avoid manual action in the future. Let them know you're serious.
For instance, if you got dinged for buying links, mention that you've instated a strict "no link buying" policy or created guidelines that make shady link schemes a no-go for your in-house SEOs.
Don't try to act clueless about what caused the manual action. Come clean about the issue's root and be transparent about the steps you're taking to lift that manual action. These reviewers have tools to fact-check, so honesty is your best bet.
And remember, you're talking to real people when you send in your reconsideration request. So, keep it polite and concise. These people can be your ticket back to the SERPs, so treat them with respect.
When requesting reconsideration, triple-check that all your issues are sorted. Submitting one prematurely can slow things down and keep your website in the penalty box longer.
So, ensure everything has been addressed, include all the documents and steps, give it a once-over, and hit that submit button.
And remember, hold off on the resend button until you hear back from the reconsideration team. They'll let you know if the manual action is history or if they need more information.
Not sure how to fix your website’s problems? Schedule a call with our team of experts at SEOLeverage for additional assistance so we can help you get back to Google’s good graces.
