Disavowing backlinks is a strategic measure to combat unwanted, harmful links that are beyond your control, such as those from websites you’ve attempted to contact but failed to remove. This process informs Google to disregard these links when evaluating your site for indexing and ranking. It’s crucial to reserve this action for instances where you’re facing a Google penalty and have an influx of paid spammy links.For a comprehensive understanding of disavowing links and dispelling common link-building myths, watch our informative video!This page delves into the intricacies of disavowing links to provide clarity on this critical SEO practice.As with the game “she loves me/she loves me not,” SEO professionals grapple with the decision to disavow or not to disavow links. Typically, Google can discern between spammy and trustworthy links without manual intervention. However, understanding the process of disavowing is essential, especially when it becomes a necessity.Continue reading to explore the nuances of disavowing links, including its definition and appropriate usage. Additionally, we offer a guide on how to use Google’s disavow tool effectively. For expert consultation on the quality of backlinks to your site, contact us at 888-601-5359!The term “disavow” is defined as denying responsibility or support. In the digital realm, this translates to instructing Google to disregard the value of an incoming link for various reasons, such as spammy links purchased or obtained through black-hat tactics.Low-quality and spammy links can significantly damage your SEO efforts. Here’s why:
They can hinder your site’s domain authority (DA) growth
They can make your site appear spammy
They can lead Google to believe you’re engaging in black-hat SEO tactics, which can incur penalties
They can result in a Google penalty, leading to a substantial drop in rankings, traffic, conversions, and revenue
Before disavowing links, ensure they are indeed spammy, as misidentifying them can negatively impact your rankings.Deciding whether to disavow links is straightforward. Remember, Google often identifies spammy backlinks without manual intervention, making the Disavow tool a “last resort.” You should only disavow links if:
Your site is penalized by Google
You’ve experienced an influx of paid spammy links
For detailed instructions on how to disavow links using Google’s tool, refer to our step-by-step guide.1. Open a text fileThis text file will be submitted to the disavow tool, so organizing your disavow links in a text file is essential.2. List the URLs to be disavowedEnsure each URL to be disavowed is listed on a separate line. Remember, you cannot disavow an entire sub-path; each specific URL must be listed individually. 
Before listing the URL, prefix it with “disavow:”. The file must be a UTF-8 or 7-bit ASCII encoded text file, and the filename should end with “.txt” to be accepted by Google. If you create the list in a Word document, Google will not accept it.Comments can be added to your disavow list, similar to HTML code. To create a comment visible only to you, precede the text with a “#”. 
3. Upload your list to Google’s disavow toolBe aware that any previous disavow lists will be replaced when you upload a new one. After creating your list, visit Google’s disavow link tool, select your website, and click “disavow links.” Then, upload the text file containing your disavowed links. Remember, it may take several weeks for Google to process the disavow, so patience is key.For further assistance with disavowing links, explore our FAQ section.Types of LinksThere are various types of links on the internet:
Internal links: Links within your own site that direct to other pages on your site.
External links: Links on your site that point to another website.
Backlinks: Links from other sites that point to your website.
Each type plays a crucial role:
Importance of internal links: Essential for Google to find and index all pages on your site. A robust internal linking structure helps Google index your pages quickly.
Importance of external links: Reference to high-authority sites with external links demonstrates your site’s credibility and can provide context to your content.
Importance of backlinks: Backlinks boost domain authority, drive traffic, establish authority, and aid in indexing. However, excessive or low-quality backlinks can be detrimental.
Understanding these link types helps clarify the purpose and proper application of disavowing links.Why Do Backlinks Matter to Google Rankings?While backlinks are beneficial, spammy and low-quality backlinks can negatively impact your site’s perception by Google. This is where disavowing links can be a corrective measure.Should You Remove or Disavow Links?Google advises against disavowing links and suggests removal as the preferred method.Can You Update a Disavow File?Yes, you can update a disavow file by saving a copy and re-uploading it to Google’s disavow tool, saving time and effort.How Long Does a Disavow Take to Work?A disavow takes effect once Google crawls the link. It will add an invisible nofollow tag to all links from the disavowed site pointing to your site.For guidance on disavowing links and related SEO matters, WebFX is here to assist. As a full-service digital marketing agency, we employ various strategies to enhance your site’s search engine rankings. Contact us online or call 888-601-5359!
