How To Use Google Disavow Tool
As website owners, we receive backlinks from various sources when we produce quality content. People love linking to great resources, right?
When we rank on Google for specific keywords, we may receive backlinks from automated junk websites with spammy backlink profiles. If there are only one or two links, it may not be an issue. However, if you receive several backlinks from junk and spammy websites, Google may consider your site spammy or even penalize it.
After all, everything at Google runs on a specific algorithm, and if your site raises a flag in that algorithm, it may be categorized as spam.
Fortunately, there is a way to overcome this issue. Like Bing, Google has a tool called the Google Disavow Tool, which allows webmasters to submit backlinks they don’t want Google to consider.
The Best Way to use Google Disavow Tool
If you’ve received backlinks from spammy websites or if a competitor has built toxic links to harm your rankings, you can use this tool.
Prepare a disavow list in a Notepad (.txt) file and submit it to Google by clicking the Upload Disavow List button on that page.
If you don’t know how to prepare disavow list, you can use this Google disavow file generator and upload file directly from there and upload it on Google Disavow link tool page .
When Should You Use This Tool?
- Manual action by Google – If Google has manually penalized your site due to unnatural backlinks.
- Lots of spammy backlinks generated by your competitor – If you suspect negative SEO attacks.
- When you’re unsure if it’s a penalty – If your rankings drop, and you suspect spammy backlinks might be the cause.
Guidelines for Creating a Disavow List
Google has clearly specified the correct disavow file format. Make sure to follow their guidelines. Check out the official file format details here.