Subject: Site Vanished from Google After Linking to Google Play Store
I have an app listed on the Play Store, and I recently decided to create a web version of it to match the app’s functionality. Initially, my site was gaining good traction and was indexing well. I noticed that the domain linked on the Play Store was just a Blogger page, so I updated it to point to my website.
However, within about 24 hours, I saw a significant drop in impressions. I quickly reverted the link to the original Blogger page, and while my impressions stabilized, they didn’t improve to previous levels. After a few days, I started to think that the link to the Play Store might not have been the issue, so I re-added my site’s URL. Unfortunately, within the next 24 hours, my site completely vanished from Google search results. Even searching for the exact domain yielded no results.
Do you think the Google Play Store backlink could be causing this problem? I’m hesitant to link my domain to the app page again.
3 responses to “Site vanished from Google search results following a Google Play Store link”
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation with your site’s visibility after linking to it from the Google Play Store. Here are a few points to consider:
Backlink Impact: It’s possible that the link from the Google Play Store triggered some automated filtering or monitoring by Google’s algorithms. If the linking pattern seemed suspicious, it might have raised red flags, leading to a potential penalty or de-indexing. However, this is not certain, and there could be other factors at play.
Domain Authority and Content: If the original link was from a Blogger page and was based on low-quality content, your site could have been affected by a perceived lack of authority or relevance. Ensure that your site’s content is high-quality, unique, and aligned with user expectations.
Google Search Console: If you haven’t already, check your Google Search Console account. Look for any messages or manual actions that could explain the drop in visibility. This tool can provide valuable insights into your site’s index status and any crawling issues.
Re-evaluating the Link: Before linking your site again from the Google Play Store, consider whether your site meets all of the necessary quality guidelines. It may also help to strengthen your site’s overall SEO through quality content, better site structure, and perhaps additional backlinks from reputable sources.
Patience and Recovery: Changes in indexing and visibility can take time for Google to process. While it’s frustrating, it’s important to continue optimizing your site without making sudden, drastic changes.
Consulting an Expert: If you’re still concerned and not seeing improvements, you might want to consult with an SEO professional who can analyze your site and provide tailored advice on recovery strategies.
In summary, it’s prudent to be cautious about linking from high-profile platforms like the Google Play Store until you’re confident in your site’s standing. Focus on improving your site’s quality and getting a better grasp of Google’s guidelines.
It’s unfortunate to hear about your experience. While it’s not definitive that the backlink from the Google Play Store caused your site’s disappearance from search results, it’s important to consider a few factors that might be at play.
Firstly, Google’s algorithms continuously evolve, and changes in how they evaluate backlinks can impact your site’s visibility. It’s possible that Google’s assessment of the quality or relevance of the link from the Play Store was different from what you expected. You might want to look into whether the link was counted as a low-quality or spammy backlink, which could have triggered a temporary de-indexing or reduced visibility.
Secondly, try checking your Google Search Console for any manual actions or penalties. Sometimes, issues like negative SEO or an algorithm change can lead to sudden drops. It’s also a good idea to ensure that there are no technical issues on your website that could be affecting indexing.
Another approach to consider is building a diverse backlink profile before adding your site back to the Play Store listing. Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sources that relate to your app or website, as this can help enhance your credibility in Google’s eyes.
Finally, if you’re still hesitant about linking your domain to the Play Store again, perhaps consider running a more detailed analysis using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to examine the backlink profile and overall health of your site. This might give you a clearer picture of your current SEO standing and help you make a more informed decision. Best of luck, and I hope you find a resolution soon
It’s definitely frustrating to see a site vanish from search results, especially when you’re trying to improve visibility linked to your app. While it seems counterintuitive, there are instances where a domain change, particularly linked to major platforms like the Google Play Store, can trigger algorithmic flags or crawl issues that impact indexing.
Here are a few points to consider that might help in this situation:
1. **Backlink Quality**: Google takes into account the quality and relevance of backlinks. If your site is linked from a page that has a low trust score or is seen as less authoritative (like a simple Blogger page), it can affect how your site is perceived. Ensure that your site is well-structured and that you maintain a good quality backlink profile.
2. **Crawl and Indexing**: After changing links, Google’s crawlers might take time to reassess your site’s relevance and authority. You might consider submitting your sitemap through Google Search Console to expedite the crawling process. Monitoring for any crawl errors can also give you insights into what might be happening.
3. **Content Relevance**: Ensure that your website content directly relates to what your app offers. If users click on your link but leave quickly, it may signal to Google that your site isn’t providing what they expect, potentially leading to lower rankings.
4. **Link Disavow**: If you’re ever in doubt about the quality of backlinks affecting your site’s performance, consider using Google’s Disavow Tool. This can