Google is in the process of rolling out a new update, targeting spam search results.

Called the ‘October 2022 Spam Update’, it is estimated that the update should take a week to fully roll out and make an impact in the search results.

In a statement from Google, the update is global and will impact all languages.

Regarding spam, Google wrote:

“While Google’s automated systems to detect search spam are constantly operating, we occasionally make notable improvements to how they work. When we do, we refer to this as a spam update and share when they happen on our list of Google Search ranking updates. For example, SpamBrain is our AI-based spam-prevention system. From time-to-time, we improve that system to make it better at spotting spam and to help ensure it catches new types of spam. Sites that see a change after a spam update should review our spam policies to ensure they are complying with those. Sites that violate our policies may rank lower in results or not appear in results at all. Making changes may help a site improve if our automated systems learn over a period of months that the site complies with our spam policies.”

Google Search Console Spam Update

Google previously confirmed that the spam algorithm was updated in June, July and November 2021.

Most decent sites should be unaffected, however, if you do notice a large ranking and/or traffic change in the coming weeks and months, you may have been hit by the spam update and therefore should look to do immediate remedial works to help reverse the impact.

Spam updates target very specific guideline violations, however, they do not give targeted guidance on whether they focus on links, content or other forms of spam and therefore we would recommend paying close attention to all aspects of your site and possible related spam.

If you would like to have a site audit and get a better understanding of the health of your site, please get in touch with the Seriously Helpful team – we always love to help!

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