Reconsideration Request

What is a Reconsideration Request?

A reconsideration request is a formal appeal submitted to Google’s webspam team by a website owner or webmaster after they have addressed and rectified the issues that led to a manual action (penalty). The purpose of the request is to have the manual action lifted from the website and to restore its search engine ranking.

Why Are Reconsideration Requests Important?

Reconsideration requests are crucial because they are the primary mechanism for lifting manual penalties imposed by Google. These penalties typically result from violations of Google’s Webmaster Guidelines, such as the use of black-hat SEO tactics. Unlike algorithmic penalties, which are automatically applied by Google’s algorithms, manual actions are reviewed and applied by human reviewers.

Submitting a reconsideration request provides an opportunity to explain to Google what steps have been taken to correct the violations, demonstrate compliance with the guidelines, and request the removal of the manual action.

Reconsideration Request Tips

1. Be Polite:

• Address the request to real people and maintain a respectful tone. Be concise and polite to make it easier for the reviewer to process your request.

1. Document Every Step You Take to Fix the Issues:

• Provide a detailed account of all corrective actions you’ve taken to address the issues that led to the manual action. For example:
  • Removed cloaked text from “X” page.
  • Contacted “X” website to remove a link.
  • Hired an SEO professional to analyze and clean up the link profile.
• This documentation helps build a structured and convincing case.

1. Show Actions to Prevent Future Manual Actions:

• Outline the measures you have implemented to prevent similar issues in the future. For instance, if the penalty was due to buying links, describe how you’ve instituted a policy against link buying or created new procedures to ensure compliance with Google’s guidelines.

1. Be Honest:

• Transparency is key. Do not deny or downplay the issues that led to the manual action. Clearly explain the mistakes made and the steps taken to resolve them. Google’s reviewers have the tools to verify the changes, so honesty will serve you better in the long run.

1. Provide Maximum Information About Your Actions:

• Include as many details as possible about your efforts to fix the issues. For example, if you contacted website owners to remove harmful links but they did not respond, include records of those attempts. If you sought assistance on forums or from professionals, provide links to those interactions as evidence.

1. Only Submit a Request When ALL Issues Have Been Fixed:

• Ensure that you have thoroughly resolved all issues before submitting your request. An incomplete request can delay the process and prolong the penalty. Double-check that all issues have been addressed, provide comprehensive documentation, proofread your request, and then submit it.
• Do not resubmit until you receive a response from the reconsideration team. They will notify you if the manual action has been lifted or if further information is required.

Summary:

Submitting a reconsideration request is a critical step in recovering from a manual action imposed by Google. It involves a detailed, honest account of the corrective measures taken and a commitment to compliance with Google’s Webmaster Guidelines. By following best practices, including politeness, thorough documentation, and honesty, you can improve the chances of having the penalty lifted and restoring your website’s search engine rankings.