Intro
For over a decade, there has been ongoing discussion about Google adding an automated action viewer to Google Search Console, similar to the existing manual action viewer. This tool would enable site owners to see if their site's performance has been negatively impacted by Google’s search ranking algorithms.
Recently, Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, expressed support for this idea on X (formerly Twitter). Sullivan mentioned he had recently discussed the possibility with the Google search team and anticipated revisiting the concept.
The Evolution of the Idea
The idea has been under discussion since at least 2015. Although initially dismissed, it has been revisited periodically, including in 2018. It is known that Googlers themselves can look up specific algorithmic issues with specific sites, using internal tools such as a Google penalty server.
Challenges in Implementing an Automated Action Viewer
Sullivan highlighted two key challenges in implementing such a viewer:
1. Potential for Abuse:
- Gaming the System: Revealing algorithmic spam indicators could allow bad actors to manipulate and adjust their tactics to evade penalties, which would be detrimental to the integrity of search results.
2. Nature of Algorithmic Actions:
- Automated and Non-Specific: Algorithmic actions are not targeted at specific sites but rather detect patterns across content. This means there is no manual process to lift an algorithmic action, as opposed to manual actions that can be individually reviewed and lifted.
Sullivan's Full Explanation
Sullivan explained that sites experiencing ranking drops might not necessarily be impacted by an algorithmic spam action. Often, sites might not rank well due to other systems assessing their content as less helpful or relevant. He expressed support for providing more transparency in Search Console, so site owners could see if they were affected by an algorithmic action, similar to manual actions.
Addressing Spam and Quality Issues:
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Manual Actions: Manual actions are specific and can be reviewed upon request.
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Algorithmic Actions: These are automated and based on patterns, making manual intervention impossible.
Sympathy for Site Owners:
- Sullivan acknowledged the frustration of not knowing the cause of a traffic drop and suggested the idea of a notification system where site owners could indicate "Not spam!" This could help improve Google's automated spam detection systems, although it poses the risk of actual spammers falsely claiming innocence.
Improving Transparency:
- Sullivan discussed the potential to show more indicators in Search Console, which could help creators understand their content's performance better. However, he noted the challenge of balancing transparency with the risk of system manipulation.
Moving Forward
While the idea of an automated action viewer in Search Console is not new, it faces significant challenges related to transparency, system abuse, and the nature of algorithmic actions. Sullivan’s recent comments indicate that Google is open to exploring ways to provide more insights and support for site owners, potentially leading to new tools and improvements in the future.
For now, SEO professionals and site owners should continue to monitor their Search Console data, focus on creating high-quality content, and stay updated on any changes or announcements from Google regarding search ranking algorithms and tools.
