Google wants to show the best, most trustworthy content to users. Spam tricks both users and Google’s systems, so Google has strict rules to keep search results clean and helpful.
If your site breaks these spam rules, it can:
- Get pushed way down in search rankings, or
- Get removed completely from Google Search.
What Is Spam? #
Spam means using sneaky tricks to fool Google or users into ranking higher, even if your content isn’t really helpful.
Google detects spam using automated tools and human reviewers. If you see spam online, you can report it to Google using their search quality report.
Common Spam Types to Avoid #
1. Cloaking #
Showing one thing to users but a different page to Googlebot — like showing travel info to Google but a drug ad to visitors.
Don’t do this. It’s misleading and banned.
2. Doorway Pages #
Making lots of similar pages just to target tiny variations of the same search, funneling users to the same place without useful differences.
Example: Multiple city-specific pages that all send visitors to one generic page.
3. Expired Domain Abuse #
Buying old domains and stuffing them with unrelated or low-value content just to trick search engines.
Example: Using a former charity’s domain to sell casino games.
4. Hacked Content #
If hackers inject spam or malware into your site without permission, it hurts your rankings and user safety.
Tip: Secure your site and fix hacked pages ASAP.
5. Hidden Text & Links #
Trying to hide keywords or links from users by making text invisible or tiny, just to boost rankings.
Example: White text on a white background.
Note: Showing/hiding content with tabs, accordions, or tooltips for a better user experience is fine.
6. Keyword Stuffing #
Repeating keywords unnaturally or packing pages with irrelevant terms just to rank higher.
Example: Listing hundreds of city names in one page without useful content.
7. Link Spam #
Buying or trading links just to improve rankings, or using automated tools to create many low-quality links.
Good to know: Paid or sponsored links should use rel=”nofollow” or rel=”sponsored” attributes.
8. Machine-Generated Traffic #
Automated queries to Google (like scraping search results) without permission. This wastes resources and violates Google’s terms.
9. Malware & Unwanted Software #
Hosting harmful software or apps that damage devices or invade user privacy is strictly banned.
10. Misleading Functionality #
Sites pretending to provide a service or product but only showing ads or scams instead.
Example: Fake app store credit generators that don’t actually give credits.
11. Scaled Content Abuse #
Creating lots of low-value pages (including AI-generated content) that don’t help users but aim to rank anyway.
12. Scraping
Copying content from other sites without adding original value or proper attribution.
13. Site Reputation Abuse #
Using a well-known site’s ranking power to host unrelated or spammy third-party content just to rank better.
14. Sneaky Redirects #
Redirecting users to different content than what Googlebot sees or sending mobile and desktop users to different spammy pages.
15. Thin Affiliation #
Affiliate sites that just copy product info without original reviews or added value.
16. User-Generated Spam #
Spam posted by users in forums, comments, or profiles that site owners might not notice.
17. Scam & Fraud #
Fake sites impersonating real businesses to trick users into losing money or personal info.
🚀 Key Takeaway #
Avoid tricks and focus on real, helpful content.
Follow Google’s spam policies to keep your rankings safe and your users happy.