Disavow
Disavow tells Google to ignore certain backlinks. Use it cautiously—typically only for clear manipulative link issues.
Definition
Disavow is a Google tool that lets site owners indicate certain backlinks should not be considered for ranking. It’s not a routine SEO tactic and should be used carefully, usually only when there’s a clear pattern of manipulative links you can’t remove.
Why it matters
- Can reduce risk in rare, clear-cut manipulative link scenarios
- Prevents misuse that can accidentally harm legitimate signals
- Reinforces quality-first link strategy
How to implement
- Confirm the issue: are there obvious manipulative links?
- Try to remove links first when possible
- Be precise with disavow files—avoid over-disavowing
FAQ
Common questions about this term.