Google’s ranking system is based on the authority of web pages, so those URLs with the highest rankings will be the most visible when a user performs a search. Much of this is achieved through link building, but have you ever thought about what would happen if a low-value link linked to your website? No problem! That’s what the disavow tool is for .
However, before going into more detail, we need to explain what this interesting tool is all about. You’ll be amazed at how useful it is!
Google’s disavow command is a file-like command that you can use to warn the search engine about which links to your website it shouldn’t consider. How can this be useful? We’ll explain it in more detail later, but it helps filter the backlinks that reach each of your pages.
And while most referral links tend to be positive, this isn’t always the case. This could be the case with a negative SEO attack or when the authority of one of the pages that cites you drops. You don’t want Google to associate you with these types of websites!
But this is just a small taste of what the disavow command has to offer. Want to learn how to use it? You’re in luck! Pay attention to what we tell you below:
What is the purpose of disavow ?
In the previous section, we already gave you a good overview of what the disavow text file can do for your SEO strategy. However, let’s try to better summarize its usefulness.
Essentially, by using the disavow file , you’ll be stripping away the authority of certain pages with links pointing to your website. Naturally, this command won’t be used for links that boost your SEO. Quite the opposite! It should be applied to poor traffic sources or those that are trying to illegitimately undermine your rankings.
This is a tool that has been in high demand by SEO directors over the years. The complaint stemmed from cases where negative references couldn’t be removed using traditional methods. This led Google to finally listen to webmasters in 2013 , offering them what we now know as disavow .
When should the disavow tool be used ?
First, it’s best to try removing those unwanted referral links manually. This will ensure you have adequate control over what’s happening on each of your website’s URLs.
However, we know that’s not always possible, especially when bad SEO practices have been prevalent for a long time. That’s where the disavow tool comes into play!
But, in addition to the above, there are other scenarios in which you absolutely must resort to this file. Which ones? We’ll present them below:
- In case you can’t edit those links, this usually happens with external links placed by third parties.
- When the links have been placed by you, but you cannot find their respective access points, therefore, you cannot modify them.
- In the case where a webmaster under your supervision has placed these links, but you lose contact with them after leaving the team. This will practically make it impossible to access them, so the best solution is a disavow file .
- When we experience an unnatural drop in your website’s authority, whether due to a negative SEO attack or penalties imposed by Google.
How to use the disavow tool correctly ?
To be successful with this tool, we recommend first listing the links you want to disavow. A list can help you during this step.
Next, create the file in a UTF-8 or 7-bit ASCII text file, including the URL with the “domain” prefix. Then, it’s time to enter those links into Google Search Console. How? Here’s how:
- Go to the disavow links section.
- Choose the website where the links in question are located.
- Click “Disavow Links” and insert the disavow file . Done!
And that’s all you need to know about the disavow command ! Using this feature can be the key to boosting your SEO strategy.
