Google Released December 2022 Link Spam Update

Google released its December 2022 link spam update on December 14th, and based on the conversation and tracking tools I use; it appears that this link spam update has some teeth. 

At eBridge, we are seeing a good number of verifiable complaints of websites being significantly impacted, and Google can now focus on links like it never before with earlier link algorithms.

Let’s discuss this in detail:

Statement by Google

“The December 2022 link spam update will take around two weeks to roll out fully, the company noted. As spammy links are eliminated, and any credit passed by these unnatural links is removed, rankings may alter. This launch will impact all languages.”

Google said that it utilizes SpamBrain, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to identify and reject spam and unnatural links. The update is intended for link buyers. Additionally, the AI will be able to locate websites explicitly designed to pass outgoing connections (spammers).

SpamBrain: Link Spamming Software 

Specifically, the spam trends portion of the 2018 Google spam report, where Google discusses its "machine learning methods" to increase search spam detection.

Google added that SpamBrain can now "identify both sites buying links, and sites used for passing outgoing links," in addition to being able to "directly detect spam."

Moreover, the impact and volatility of the December 2022 link spam update were lower than those of the July 2021 update.

How This Link Spam Update Will Affect Your Website

It will take around two weeks to completely implement our launch today, which we call the December 2022 link spam update. As spammy links are eliminated, and any credit passed by these unnatural links is removed, rankings may alter. This launch will impact all languages.

Links gained primarily to manipulate search rankings artificially are considered spam, as we have long highlighted.  Using our algorithms and manual activities, we will expand our coverage while working to eliminate these artificial links at scale. Please let us know if you have any websites that use unnatural link-building.

It's important to note that Google strictly prohibits the acquisition of links to enhance search rankings. Google also has rules for acceptable links that are forwarded to other websites. For instance, you must qualify an affiliate link with a rel=sponsored tag if you include it within a body of text.

The link spam update may target your website if affiliate links are not correctly tagged. Additionally, you must include rel=nofollow to links in guest articles to avoid further issues with Google. It's unlikely that the December 2022 link spam upgrade will hurt you if you adhere to Google's best practices for incoming and outgoing links.

How Should You Respond to Google's Upgrade to Its Link Spam Algorithm?

• Thoroughly audit your website to find any links that could hurt you and remove them.
• Create content that aids in getting the top results in search engines rather than just writing for SEO.
• Because the December helpful content upgrade is still in effect, optimize your content to provide the user with value.
• Produce unique, unpolished content of the highest calibre.
• Verify that the links to your website were gained naturally and are not false.
• Comply with all Google webmaster recommendations to prevent updates from harming your website.
• As mentioned earlier, when publishing guest posts on your website, use the rel=nofollow tag.

Concluding Thoughts

Once more, if you notice a drop in Google ranking during the next two weeks, it may be due to this new link spam change. Be sure you adhere to Google's webmaster standards and use only natural links. Improve your website to draw in more connections on its own gradually.

"Site owners should ensure they follow the best practices on links, both inbound and outgoing," Google stated in prior updates about link spam." 

Compared to manipulating links, concentrating on creating high-quality content and enhancing user experience always triumphs. Use correctly marked links to spread the word about your website and adequately tag affiliate links to make it profitable.