If you are unsure how to disavow backlinks, there are plenty of tools out there, e.g. Semrush or Moz, which allow you to identify spammy links in bulk, and then quickly export a ‘disavow file’ ready for uploading onto Search Console.
If the tool you are using gives you a list of spammy links but doesn’t automatically create a disavow file for you, you can still copy and paste the links onto a file as outlined on Google’s guide on disavowing backlinks.
Once you have your disavow file ready, head over to the Search Console disavow tool, and upload your file.
NOTE – if you find there is already a file uploaded on there, you may want to download and
Using Google’s helpful disavow tool on Search Console will totally nullify the impact of any spammy links that someone might decide to point at your website.
I’ve Received Emails Threatening My Google Rankings – What Should I Do?
Earlier this week, one of our clients received an email out of the blue demanding that they create a do-follow link to a specific blog post, and threatening to build a million toxic blog comment spam backlink traffic if they did not oblige – not a pleasant email for anyone to receive!
This a timely reminder that even in 2022, there are some people out there still trying to use ‘black hat’ SEO tactics, in spite of Google’s attempts to knock these kinds of bad-practice on the head.
Fortunately, our client relayed the above email to us, and we were able to advise a counter-strategy and allay their concerns.
Although this may seem like an impossible task to counter millions of toxic backlinks, and you don’t want to ‘say goodbye to your Google rankings’, please let us put your mind at rest.
Firstly it’s highly probable this will never happen – they’re just trying their luck to see if they can scare you into adding a ‘do-follow, permanent backlink on your blog.’
Secondly, in the rare case that they do carry out their threat, it’s still not too much of an issue – just hop onto Google Search Console and disavow all the links that you don’t want.
You Are Not Alone…
Many people around the UK seem to be receiving the same email, which is why Search Console have put together a comprehensive article relating to how spammers can use your company name to blackmail other website owners for backlinks.
Also please note that the email isn’t necessarily from who it claims to be from – as outlined in this example ‘Scammer Threatens Site Owners for Backlinks’
We hope we’ve put your fears at rest – while it’s a pain if these spammers carry out their threats, it is not the end of the world. Still a little unsure that you can sort this? Not a problem, just give us a call on 0333 567 5300 and our team are more than happy to assist you.
