Are reconsideration requests read by real people?

TL;DR

All reconsideration requests with manual actions are reviewed by humans.

Transcript

Today's question comes from Prague, Ihar asks, right now when a webmaster sends a reconsideration request, how many chances does it have to really be read by a real human? Do you plan to make it possible for webmasters to answer when they get a result back from Google? Great questions. So whenever you do a reconsideration request, if you don't have... Read More

Key Insights

• Reconsideration requests without manual actions are closed automatically, while those with manual actions are reviewed by real humans.
• Google aims to increase scalability in handling reconsideration requests, though responses may be brief.
• Webmasters can submit another reconsideration request if issues persist, but should show progress and reasoning.
• An experimental program is in place to review repeat reconsideration requests more thoroughly.
• Simply resubmitting a request without addressing issues is discouraged and may be viewed as unproductive.
• Google is exploring ways to improve communication and processes in handling reconsideration requests.
• The aim is to provide a better response system, even though detailed replies aren't guaranteed.
• Real humans are involved in the review process, ensuring a level of oversight and consideration.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are reconsideration requests handled by Google?

Reconsideration requests are handled by real humans if they involve manual actions by the web spam team. Requests without manual actions are closed automatically. Google focuses on scalability, so responses may be brief, but they are generated by a real person who reviews the request.

Q: Can webmasters respond to Google's reconsideration request results?

Webmasters cannot directly respond to the results. However, if issues are identified, they are encouraged to address these and submit another reconsideration request. It's important to show progress and reasoning for why Google should reconsider the manual action.

Q: What is Google's experimental program regarding reconsideration requests?

Google has been experimenting with a program where repeat reconsideration requests are sometimes reviewed more thoroughly. This involves sampling a small number of these requests to potentially provide more detailed feedback or conduct a deeper investigation, aiming to improve communication and processes.

Q: What happens if a webmaster repeatedly submits reconsideration requests without addressing issues?

If a webmaster repeatedly submits reconsideration requests without addressing the issues, Google may view this as unproductive. It's important for webmasters to identify and rectify the problems before resubmitting, as continually ignoring feedback can lead to less productive interactions.

Q: Does Google guarantee detailed responses for reconsideration requests?

Google does not guarantee detailed responses for reconsideration requests. While real humans review the requests, the focus is on scalability, which means responses may be brief. However, Google is actively exploring ways to improve the process and communication.

Q: What should webmasters do if they receive a negative response from a reconsideration request?

Webmasters should take time to investigate and address the issues identified in the negative response. They should make necessary changes and improvements before submitting another reconsideration request, ensuring they provide reasoning and evidence of progress to justify reconsideration.

Q: How does Google ensure reconsideration requests are reviewed fairly?

Google ensures fairness in the review of reconsideration requests by involving real humans in the process. This oversight helps maintain a level of consideration and accuracy, particularly for requests involving manual actions by the web spam team.

Q: What is the role of scalability in Google's reconsideration request process?

Scalability is crucial in Google's reconsideration request process to manage the volume of requests efficiently. While this means responses may be brief, Google is committed to ensuring that real humans review requests and is exploring ways to enhance the process and communication.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Google's reconsideration request process involves human review for requests with manual actions. Those without such actions are closed automatically. The goal is to provide scalable yet effective responses, encouraging webmasters to address issues before resubmitting.

• Webmasters are encouraged to investigate and address the issues identified in a reconsideration request before resubmitting. Repeat requests are sometimes reviewed more thoroughly under an experimental program to improve the process.

• The process aims to balance scalability with personal oversight. While detailed responses aren't always possible, Google is exploring ways to enhance communication and effectiveness in handling reconsideration requests.