September 25, 2026
Here we go again…
Yesterday, Google announced the rollout of the September 2026 spam update.
This is the fourth spam update of the year, following the March 2026 spam update, the June 2026 spam update and the August 2026 spam update, and the seventh algorithm update of the year.
According to Google, this is a normal spam update applying to all languages and locations, and it may take up to two weeks to complete.
Google releases these updates periodically to improve its search spam detection systems, which target websites that are in violation of Google’s spam policies.
Last year, we only experienced one spam update so Google has definitely ramped things up this year.
Here’s a timeline of spam updates released in the last few years.
As usual, many website owners aren’t happy that Google has released yet another spam update, with many still trying to recover from the volatility and impact of the last one.
StackScope responded to Google Search Central’s post on X announcing the update:
Ekim also commented:
Many people are also questioning why this spam update is set to take up to two weeks when the previous three have only taken a couple of days.
Barry Schwartz asked Google’s John Mueller to confirm it wasn’t a typo:
Some are speculating the reason behind this, with fears that this may be even more impactful than the previous three.
Wei Li responded to Schwartz’s post on X:
Spam updates should, in theory, only have an impact on websites using spammy tactics to rank better in the search results, but many sites claim to be targeted by Google despite not engaging in any strategies that could be considered spam.
However, many people argue that these sites are in violation of a specific spam policy, they just aren’t aware of it. To be on the safe side, it’s important to review Google’s spam policies carefully and ensure you’re not using any of the techniques listed.
If you have been hit, there’s a good chance you have violated one or more of Google’s spam policies. We recommend revisiting Google’s documentation, focusing on the policies regarding content as this was a normal spam update and not a link-specific one, and addressing anything that might be considered spam.
It can take time to recover from a spam update. You need to remove violating content and consistently avoid any spam tactics for several months to get back in Google’s good books.
It’s also important to bear in mind that spam updates can cause volatility. If you see spikes or dips in traffic and rankings, you don’t need to panic straight off the bat. It may well level out once the rollout has completed. Leave it a week or so after the update has finished before evaluating the damage.
If you want expert help with algorithm update recovery, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.
