Introduction to Google’s SafeSearch Filter
Google has published guidelines on what to do if your website rankings are affected after being incorrectly flagged by Google’s SafeSearch filter. The new documentation offers three actions to take to resolve the issues. This is a crucial step for website owners, as being flagged by SafeSearch can significantly impact their online visibility.
Understanding SafeSearch Filtering
Google’s SafeSearch is a filtering system that removes explicit content from the search results. But there may be times when it fails and mistakenly removes the wrong content. This can happen to any website, and it’s essential to know how to check if your site is being filtered and how to resolve the issue.
Checking if Your Site is Being Filtered
To check if your site is being filtered by SafeSearch, follow these steps:
- Confirm that SafeSearch is set to Off.
- Search for a term where you can find that page in search results.
- Set SafeSearch to Filter. If you don’t see your page in the results anymore, it is likely being affected by SafeSearch filtering on this query.
To check if the entire site is being filtered by SafeSearch, do a site: search for your domain, then set the SafeSearch setting to “Filter”. If the site doesn’t appear in a site: search, that means that Google is filtering out the entire website.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
If your site is indeed being filtered, Google recommends checking their checklist for common mistakes. This checklist can help you identify and fix any issues that may be causing the filtering. Some common mistakes include:
- Explicit content on the site
- Incorrect meta tags
- Poor website quality
Requesting a Manual Review
If mistakes were found and fixed, it takes Google at least two to three months for the algorithmic classifiers to clear the site. Only after three months have passed does Google recommend requesting a manual review. You can request a manual review by filling out a form on Google’s support page.
Conclusion
Being incorrectly flagged by Google’s SafeSearch filter can be a significant issue for website owners. However, by following the steps outlined in Google’s guidelines, you can check if your site is being filtered, fix common mistakes, and request a manual review. Remember to be patient, as it can take several months for the issue to be resolved. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your website is visible in search results and reaches its intended audience. You can find more information on Google’s guidance on recovering a site from incorrect flagging on their official website.