Has anyone changed domain after "unnatural link message" from Google?

[jj3434]

We received a "unnatural" email from Google approx 6 months ago and have tried removing all links but it is proving to be near impossible - has anyone undergone a domain change and moved their sites to get rid of the penalty?

[Marcus_Miller]

I have not done this, but in theory, this should be a way to start again. Of course, you could always consider the Disavow Links tool as an alternative.

If you are going to move domains, then I would do it gradually in the following stages:

1. remove all the current site from the index

2. change domain

3. reindex the site

This will remove any kind of penalty but it is starting from ground zero again so the Disavow links tool may be a better option if you have tried multiple reconsideration requests but made no progress.

Ref:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/googles-disavow-tool-take-a-deep-breath

[donford]

I agree with Marcus, it really sounds like you need to consider the disavow tool. I would assume since you have been working on this for 6 months you have a lot of notes about what was done to try and get links removed which will certainly help with your disavow.

I would also like to add a link to the Matt Cutts from Google YouTube video regarding this tool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=393nmCYFRtA

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Absolutely - Try the new Disavow tool in WMT - this can take a few weeks for the crawl to happen, but should prove less of a headache than going down the route of changing domain.

Also remember, a warning doesn't mean you are being penalised.

Andy

[jj3434]

our site dropped for all main terms......

[Andy.Drinkwater]

That's a shame Jason - can I ask did the drop happen at the same time as the warning? If not, it could be a nasty coincidence that you were hit with an update at the same sort of time.

Andy

[jj3434]

we did yes....

[Andy.Drinkwater]

OK well the Disavow tool if your friend in this case.

You can read more about it here if you wish, and I have some links at the end that will be of use:

http://www.inetseo.co.uk/seo/google-disavow-links-tool/2012/10

Hope that helps,

Andy

[jj3434]

thanks