Google recently revised its search spam report form to combat search quality issues.
The updated form is part of Google’s approach to improving the user experience by addressing problematic content such as paid links, malicious behavior and low-quality pages.
An improved user interface
Image credit: developers.google.com, June 2023.
The redesigned form makes it easier for users to report a wider range of search quality issues.
“Now, you can report spam, paid links, malicious behavior, poor quality, and other search quality issues, all in an improved way,” Google announced.
This new form introduces a feature for bulk submissions, allowing users to report up to five pages that violate the same policy in a single report.
After submitting a report, users will receive a confirmation email from Google, which provides help links to additional resources covering Google’s quality policy and directs them to a forum for personalized support.
Image credit: developers.google.com, June 2023.
What happens after reporting?
When user feedback comes to Google, the company has a system in place to prioritize and address it.
While urgent issues can be fixed immediately, most issues are resolved when Google updates the algorithm.
Google’s John Mueller previously explained how the reporting system works, stating:
“The web is so huge and constantly changing, and people are asking us new questions every day. So our goal is generally to improve the algorithms that aggregate search results in general, not to tweak things for individual queries. This may take some time, but it makes search better for everyone around the world because of the sheer number of searches that are done every day.”
Mueller advises using other channels, such as the Google Search Central help forums and Google’s public social media accounts, for larger issues.
It adds, “regardless of the contact method, it makes it easier for Google to recognize the scale and scope of the problem.”
The exact timeline for Google’s response to user feedback is unclear and likely depends on the nature and urgency of the reported problem.
The bigger picture
The overhaul of Google’s search spam reporting form is not an isolated move. It’s part of a more comprehensive effort by the tech giant to continually improve the quality of search results.
Google’s decision to allow bulk submissions of up to five pages suggests the company recognizes the scale of search quality issues and is ready to engage more substantially.
The improved reporting process can lead to cleaner, more relevant search results for everyone.
To sum up
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Google prioritizes user feedback to improve search results.
With the redesigned search spam report form, Google has a more simplified way to report search quality issues.
The new form is the latest example of Google’s commitment to maintaining high-quality SERPs.
Featured Image: 24K-Production/Shutterstock
source: Google
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