Google’s new Site Reputation Abuse Policy targets practices like “parasite SEO”. Parasite SEO is where third-party content exploits the authority of domains to manipulate search rankings.

The policy penalizes sites hosting irrelevant or low-quality content, regardless of their level of involvement, including white-label and affiliate agreements. This initiative aims to stop reputable domains like Forbes from ranking for pet food and everything else under the sun.

Here are the key takeaways for bloggers and Affiliate marketers about Google’s Site Reputation Abuse actions.

Focus on Relevant, Original Content

Ensure all content aligns with your blog’s primary focus and audience. Affiliate or sponsored material, if categorized as ‘off topic’ by Google, risks penalties. Create original, high-quality content to maintain your blog’s credibility and SEO health.

Work with sponsors to ensure that your article is true to your writing style and content. Do not copy/paste large sections – even if they ask you too. You’ll need to negotiate to protect your reputation on Google.

Audit and Protect Your Domain’s Reputation

Regularly review your site’s content, looking for anything that might exploit your domain authority. AKA- off topic. Each page or post is measured for relevancy against the entire site. Keep your affiliate content relevant to your audience and usual topics.

This is a good move by Google in the right direction. Just don’t get caught posting white labeled, or off topic content just for the revenue.

Faq

Yes. Just keep them relevant to your audience. If you are a fashion blogger, it is a risk to promote a car or furniture brand.

Yes you can- if it is written to your audience and is relevant to the rest of your content. Of course follow the rest of SEO best practices with plagiarism search, link tags, etc.

Strictly speaking, for business-sake, be as streamlined and niche as possible – so you can rise above as an expert. Personally, be aware of why you love writing and why your audience chooses to read your blog out of the millions of choices. Don’t lose your joy, or audience to push SEO. SEO is one revenue stream and very little of it is in your control. We all know that multiple income streams is far more sustainable.

Beginner Checklist

If you’re starting out, you’ll love our comprehensive 52 point checklist for your website! Read through once, and then work on items one at a time as it comes up!

52 Edits Checklist – beginners categories

Cathy Mitchell

Single Mom, Lifelong Learner, Jesus Follower, Founder and CEO at WPBarista.