Google has updated its recent blog post, which details the expansion of its site reputation abuse policy, by adding a set of frequently asked questions. These FAQs address various topics such as third-party content, freelance work, affiliate content, moving content, noindexing, and more.

FAQs: The following FAQs were posted on December 6, 2024, in the updated blog post:

What is third-party content?
Third-party content refers to material created by an entity other than the hosting site. Examples include content created by users of the site, freelancers, white-label services, or anyone who isn’t directly employed by the host site, as outlined in the site reputation policy.

Does using third-party content violate the site reputation abuse policy?
No, simply using third-party content does not violate the site reputation abuse policy. It becomes a violation only if the content is published with the intent of manipulating search rankings by exploiting the host site’s ranking signals. Our policy page provides examples of how third-party content can be used without violating the policy.

Is freelance content a violation of the site reputation abuse policy?
No, freelance content is considered third-party content, but it does not violate the site reputation abuse policy on its own. It only becomes a violation if it’s used to manipulate search rankings by taking advantage of the host site’s ranking signals.

Does affiliate content violate the site reputation abuse policy?
No, the policy is not aimed at affiliate content. The policy guidelines clarify that affiliate links, when properly marked, are not considered an abuse of site reputation.

What does it mean to manipulate search rankings by exploiting the host site’s ranking signals?
This occurs when third-party content is placed on an established site to take advantage of its ranking signals, which are primarily earned from the site’s own first-party content. Instead of publishing on a separate site, the third-party content is used to benefit from the established site’s authority.

If I noindex the content, will the manual action be automatically lifted?
No, you must still respond to the manual action in Google Search Console and explain that the content has been noindexed. We recommend addressing the issue rather than leaving the manual action in place.

If I move content that received a manual action to a new location, will this resolve the site reputation abuse issue?
It depends on where the content is moved:

• Moving content to a subdirectory or subdomain within the same domain: This doesn’t resolve the issue and may be seen as an attempt to bypass our spam policy, which could result in broader actions against the site in Google Search.
• Moving content to another established site: This can resolve the site reputation abuse issue for the original site, as the site’s reputation is no longer being exploited. However, if the third-party content remains unchanged, it could create a site reputation abuse issue for the new site.
• Moving content to a new domain: This is less likely to be problematic if the new domain has no established reputation and complies with our spam policies. Remember to submit a reconsideration request to remove the manual action if you move the content.

If I move content that violates the policy, can I redirect from the old site to the new one?
No, you should not set up redirects from the old site to the new site after moving content that has received a manual action. This could reintroduce the site reputation abuse issue.

If I move content that violates the policy, can I link from the old site to the new one?
If you link from the old site to the new one, make sure to use the nofollow attribute for those links to avoid violating the site reputation abuse policy.

At SEO Guru NYC, we understand the complexities of SEO and the importance of maintaining a positive site reputation. If you have concerns about site reputation abuse or are looking for expert guidance to improve your site’s search rankings, our team of professionals is here to help. As a top SEO company in NYC, we specialize in creating effective, ethical SEO strategies that help your website stay compliant with Google’s policies and achieve long-term success. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive online.