A penalty applied by Google when a site violates webmaster guidelines, usually due to spammy or manipulative practices.
A manual action is a penalty applied by Google when a human reviewer determines that a site violates guidelines (often due to unnatural links, thin/spam content, or hacked pages). Manual actions can severely reduce visibility until the issues are fixed and a reconsideration request is approved.
The goal is evidence: show what you fixed, why it happened, and how you’ll prevent recurrence.
Browse related definitions in the same glossary category.
Algorithm
A complex system used by search engines to retrieve data and deliver results for a query. Google uses multiple algorithms to rank websites.
Algorithm Update
Changes made to a search engine's ranking algorithms that can impact website visibility and traffic.
AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)
A framework that enables ultra-fast loading of mobile pages by simplifying HTML and limiting scripts.
API Quotas
Hard limits on total API usage over a billing period, often tied to pricing tiers.
API Rate Limits
Restrictions on how many API requests can be made within a time period, requiring throttling and retry logic.
Broken Link
A hyperlink that no longer works because the destination page has been deleted or moved. Damages UX and SEO value.
Understanding "Manual Action" is just the first step. Our team at TwoSquares specializes in technical SEO and digital strategy, helping brands turn complex concepts into measurable growth.