How to Reverse a Google Manual Spam Action in 3 days

I spontaneously decided to write this article due to getting some interesting Feedback on my Google+ Post (German). The subject, Reconsideration Request, once again creates a stir, and that is why I now present you an interesting case. At the end of March 2014, an entrepreneur asked me to create a SEO Analysis for his Online Shop, because in the past couple of months he was not happy with its development on Google.de. Something had to happen. So, I thankfully accepted his request.

I immediately asked my client for further information. Quickly, I found out that the organic traffic is already heavily declining for months, which of course affected the profitability of the Online Shop.

The client also detected this developing tendency. I asked him specific questions about the situation – for example if recently someone else was in charge for Link Building, which he affirmed. At this point I want to mention that the client is generally very successful with his Online Business – which requires many intelligent, long term decisions. In SEO, unfortunately a few mistakes can have severe effects. Many webmasters underestimate these small problems.

After a first SEO Analysis about the stage of optimization and the situation of the domain, I quickly realized that they have a Manual Spam Action. Google transparently offers information about this in the Google Webmaster Tools; the reason is link schemes spam. This is where it gets problematic.

I started a Link Detox analysis with about 9,000 Links. An Average Link Detox Risk Rating of more than 1,300 points (“nofollow” links not included, 100% rated anchor texts) showed that it was necessary to dig deeper. I was willing to do that because of the domain’s big potential.

 After only 3 work-days later, I received confirmation from Google telling me that the Manual Spam Action has been reversed. That happened incredibly fast!

With the right planning and targeted optimization, a Manual Spam Action can be reversed within a few days, and the domain can be back on course for further success. The effort and extent of work can be huge, and frequently a domain can be weakened. But, quiet often there’s no alternative to this method. You can’t sit out and wait to recover from a Manual Spam Action.

The success is obvious by looking at the Online Shop Visibility Index:

Conclusion and Recommendation

Through my many years of SEO experience and a variety of Link Detox screenings, I’ve found that many webmasters do not even know the status of their online business. Some don’t even know that their domain was penalized.

My Tip: A transparent controlling of success creates safety and awareness for a Webmaster’s online business. In my opinion, many webmasters are not able to reverse existing Google Manual Spam Actions. Reputable SEO companies offer individual solutions.

Once again, I appeal to every Webmaster to take some time to get familiar with Google Webmaster Guidelines and to critically question potential SEO service providers before passing them your precious business. I wish you future success!