Google Reveals Why Link Disavow Files Take Time to Process
▼ Summary
– Link disavows are mainly useful for unnatural links created by SEOs or publishers, not general spammy links, and may require urgent action.
– Google’s link disavow tool allows publishers to exclude unwanted backlinks from affecting their rankings by uploading a list of URLs or domains.
– The tool was created to help SEOs disavow paid or unnatural links they couldn’t remove, but most sites don’t need it for low-quality links.
– Google processes disavowed links during natural recrawling, not immediately, meaning the tool doesn’t trigger instant changes.
– The order of domains in the disavow file doesn’t matter, as Google uses the data during regular crawling rather than processing it as a direct filter.
Understanding why Google’s link disavow tool takes time to process can help SEO professionals manage their backlink profiles more effectively. While the tool isn’t a quick fix for spammy links, it serves a specific purpose for addressing unnatural links that publishers or SEOs may have inadvertently created. Recently, Google’s John Mueller shed light on how the disavow process works behind the scenes, offering valuable insights for those navigating backlink challenges.
The link disavow tool allows website owners to tell Google which backlinks they want to exclude from ranking considerations. This feature was introduced after SEOs requested a way to distance themselves from paid or low-quality links they couldn’t remove manually. Accessible through Google Search Console, the tool lets users upload a list of domains or URLs they wish to disavow. However, Google emphasizes that most sites don’t need this tool, it’s primarily for cases where unnatural links were intentionally built and can’t be taken down.
A user recently asked Mueller whether newly added domains in a disavow file are treated separately or if Google reprocesses the entire list. His response clarified that the order of domains in the file doesn’t matter, and the disavow process isn’t instantaneous. Instead, Google considers the disavowed links during its natural recrawling of websites. This means the tool doesn’t trigger an immediate action but influences how links are evaluated the next time Googlebot revisits the relevant pages.
This explanation highlights an important detail: disavowed links aren’t filtered out right away. The data in the disavow file only comes into play during routine crawls, which explains why changes may take time to reflect. For SEOs, this underscores the importance of patience and proper documentation when managing backlinks. While the tool won’t provide instant results, understanding its mechanics ensures better long-term strategy adjustments.
Featured Image by Shutterstock/Luis Molinero
(Source: Search Engine Journal)
