A drop caused by backlinks can have two different causes: a manual action, which Google notifies in Search Console, or an automatic adjustment that neutralizes links without notice. Check the manual actions report first. If there is an action, follow Google's steps: identify the problematic links, try to have them removed or qualified and, only if you can't, use disavow before requesting a review.
Manual action or algorithmic adjustment
A manual action happens when a human reviewer at Google determines that a site's pages don't comply with its spam policies. Google notifies the action in the manual actions report and in the Search Console message center. One of the types is "unnatural links to your site".
An algorithmic adjustment is different. With its December 2022 link spam update, Google explained that SpamBrain can detect both sites that buy links and sites used to pass links, and that the credit from those links is lost. In this case there is no manual notification.
How to diagnose
- Open the Search Console manual actions report and check for notices.
- If there are none, analyze the date of the drop and whether it coincides with a change in the link strategy or with an update announced by Google.
- Export your links from the links report, which shows a sample of links, not a complete list.
- Review the sites that link to you most and the most recent links, and look for links you don't recognize or that look paid without being qualified.
What Google recommends if there is a manual action
- Review the link spam policy.
- Ask site owners to remove the links or qualify them with nofollow or another attribute.
- Use the disavow tool for the links that could not be removed. Google insists on making a good-faith effort to remove them first and on not disavowing organic links.
- Request the review with documentation of what was done.
Google warns that link-related reviews can take longer than usual.
When to use disavow
Google makes clear that, in most cases, it can assess which links to trust without help, and that the tool is advanced and should be used with care. It is only recommended when there are many artificial or low-quality links and those links caused, or are likely to cause, a manual action.
How to prevent it
- Choose relevant outlets and avoid forced anchor text.
- Qualify paid links with sponsored or nofollow, following Google's guidance.
- Record every publication and review the Search Console reports periodically.
- Be wary of anyone who promises guaranteed results with links.
If an algorithmic adjustment has already neutralized links, Google explains that the credit those links passed is lost; what helps is improving the site and building legitimate presence.
How SEOfy works with transparency
SEOfy states the labeling, link attribute and timing per outlet before you order, and publishes in outlets with editors it has a direct relationship with. This transparency lets you decide with information, but it does not eliminate risk or guarantee rankings, traffic or AI citations.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a backlink penalty?
Check the Search Console manual actions report. If there is no notice, the drop could be due to other factors, including automatic adjustments.
Should I disavow every suspicious link?
No. Google recommends trying to remove or qualify them first and using the tool only when there are many problematic links and a risk of manual action.
How long does it take to resolve?
Google says reviews can take days or weeks, and longer in link-related cases.
Related reading
- Is buying backlinks worth it? What Google says
- Do backlinks still matter in 2026? What Google says
- How to evaluate a backlink before buying: a checklist
Next step
If you want to publish in Latin American media with clear labeling and attribute conditions from the start, get to know SEOfy.