Algorithmic filter. What is it and how to remove it?

Black Hat SEO

In terms of ethics, positioning is divided into two types. We have White Hat SEO, which is activities that follow search engine rules and do not compromise web users’ security or comfort. There is also the other side, i.e. Black Hat SEO.

As you can already guess, these are completely opposite practices. Administrators may not be aware, so they think they will shorten their path by positioning the website quickly. Unfortunately, when Google penalizes them for this is only a matter of time. In the long run, Black Hat methods bring a lot of losses, including financial losses.

How does Google detect unethical tactics?

For this purpose, the search engine uses the help of algorithms and web robots. They are designed to search, analyze and evaluate websites that are included in the Google index. The algorithm scans a website’s content as well as other factors such as links to it, geographical location and language. The algorithm doesn’t know what your intentions were when you wrote your post, so if there’s something wrong with your text (even if it was unintentional), they will classify your blog into one category – prohibited practices.

Types of Google penalties. Filters and bans

The search engine divides sanctions into two types: filters and bans.

• Filters are penalties imposed for a specific period of time – from a month to even several years. Its imposition means that the website can fall by up to 70 positions in the ranking. They are imposed primarily due to the unnatural growth of external links with a specific anchor, unnatural links, the use of a link exchange system, and spam.
• However, bans are much more serious. Their imposition results in exclusion from the search results. Although the site physically exists, it is impossible to find by Internet users. In extreme cases, you can even be removed from the index. These penalties are related to dangerous Black Hat SEO practices, extorting money, and promoting porn sites.

How do algorithmic filters work?

An algorithmic filter works by automatically scanning content for certain keywords or phrases that have been deemed inappropriate or malicious. Depending on the specific filter, this could include things like profanity, hate speech, threats, or copyrighted material. Once a match is found, the filter will take action such as blocking the content or removing it from public view.

Algorithmic filters can be beneficial for keeping online spaces free from inappropriate content. However, they can also be prone to errors and false positives. This means that sometimes content is blocked or removed when it shouldn’t be, and this can lead to frustration for users who may feel their posts are being unfairly censored.

Fortunately, there are ways to work around algorithmic filters.

How are filters applied?

These filters can be applied by search engines, social media platforms, online advertising networks, and other online services. They use algorithms to determine which content is appropriate for a particular user or group. Algorithmic filters are used to protect users from offensive or inappropriate content, to ensure that content is targeted to the right audience, and to provide more personalized experiences for users. By using algorithms to detect patterns in user behavior and content, these filters can help provide more relevant information to users.

How to check if a site has been penalized?

The easiest way to check if your site has been banned or filtered is to enter it into the search engine using the command “site: site address”. If it is displayed in the results, we have no reason to worry. Otherwise, check if our website has been indexed (Google Search Console); whether we do not use noindex or nofollow attributes. However, if everything is correct, the conclusion is one: we have been punished. The most common indicators that a website has been flagged by an algorithmic filter are a decrease in traffic, a drop in rankings, and changes in the search engine results page.

How can you remove an algorithmic filter from my account?

The first step in removing an algorithmic filter is to understand the specific criteria the algorithm is using to categorize you. Many algorithms are designed to detect patterns or trends in user behavior and then apply a filter based on these patterns. In order to remove an algorithmic filter, you need to identify any patterns that could be triggering the filter and then find ways to stop the pattern. Proper SEO optimization helps in all this.

• Remove all items of questionable quality. The “request for re-inclusion” form in the Google SiteMaps tool will help you with this.
• Improve the interface and navigation on the site.
• Improve internal linking with the breadcrumb menu.
• Take care of external linking by choosing only trustworthy websites.
• Remove incorrect and broken links.
• Do not spam.
• Create original content and original materials.
• Don’t stuff keywords, content must be natural.
• Do not copy content within your own site and from other sites.
• Don’t mask redirects.
• Watch your users, it happens that we do not control our website.

Best tactic: avoid penalties and play by the rules

The best way to avoid penalties and make sure your website is ranked well is to play by the rules. Make sure your content is original, relevant, and of high quality. Don’t resort to shortcuts or unethical practices that could get you into trouble. Algorithmic filters are created by search engines to determine how webpages should be ranked and indexed. These rules are designed to make sure that only the most relevant, useful, and high-quality content is shown in search results.

Last words

Algorithmic filters are becoming more and more commonplace in the digital age. It’s important to understand what an algorithmic filter is and how to remove it if necessary. They are often used to reduce the amount of data that is passed through a system or displayed to users. Now you know, how they works!