Workflow 002: Algorithm Recovery
Overview
If your site was hit by a Google update, this workflow helps you diagnose the issue and create a recovery plan.
Recovery Phases
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| ALGORITHM RECOVERY PHASES |
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| Phase 1: Diagnosis |
| +-- Identify which update hit you |
| +-- Analyze traffic loss patterns |
| +-- Determine affected pages/sections |
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| v |
| Phase 2: Root Cause Analysis |
| +-- Content quality audit |
| +-- Link profile review |
| +-- Technical issues check |
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| v |
| Phase 3: Action Plan |
| +-- Prioritize fixes |
| +-- Execute improvements |
| +-- Monitor progress |
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| v |
| Phase 4: Recovery Monitoring |
| +-- Track rankings over 2-3 update cycles |
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+---------------------------------------------------------------------+Phase 1: Diagnosis
Step 1.1: Identify the Update
Check these resources:
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| COMMON UPDATE TYPES |
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| CORE UPDATE |
| +-- Broad quality reassessment |
| +-- Focus: E-E-A-T, content quality |
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| HELPFUL CONTENT UPDATE |
| +-- Targets AI/low-value content |
| +-- Focus: Originality, expertise |
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| SPAM UPDATE |
| +-- Targets manipulation |
| +-- Focus: Links, cloaking, thin content |
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| PRODUCT REVIEW UPDATE |
| +-- Targets affiliate sites |
| +-- Focus: First-hand experience, depth |
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+---------------------------------------------------------------------+Step 1.2: Analyze Traffic Loss
In Google Analytics/Search Console:
- Compare pre-update vs post-update traffic
- Identify which pages lost traffic
- Note which queries dropped
Traffic Analysis Checklist:
□ Date of traffic drop matches update rollout?
□ Which pages lost most traffic?
□ Which keywords dropped?
□ Site-wide or section-specific?
□ Mobile vs Desktop differences?Step 1.3: Pattern Recognition
| Pattern | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| All pages dropped | Domain-level issue |
| Specific section dropped | Category/topic issue |
| Money pages dropped | Quality/commercial intent issue |
| Info pages fine, reviews dropped | Product review update |
| New content ranks, old doesn't | Content freshness issue |
Phase 2: Root Cause Analysis
Step 2.1: Content Quality Audit
E-E-A-T Assessment:
| Factor | Questions | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Do you show first-hand experience? | |
| Expertise | Are authors qualified? | |
| Authority | Is the site known in the niche? | |
| Trust | Is there transparency about who runs the site? |
Content Issues Checklist:
□ Thin content (< 500 words with no substance)
□ Duplicate/similar content across pages
□ AI content without humanization
□ Missing author bios
□ No original research/testing
□ Generic advice copied from competitors
□ Outdated information
□ Over-optimized for keywordsStep 2.2: Link Profile Review
Reference: SOP 011 - Anchor Text
Ahrefs Analysis:
□ Toxic link percentage (>10% is concerning)
□ Anchor text over-optimization
□ Sudden link velocity changes
□ Links from irrelevant sites
□ Link scheme patternsStep 2.3: Technical Issues Check
Reference: SOP 009 - Technical SEO
Technical Audit:
□ Core Web Vitals failing?
□ Indexation problems?
□ Mobile usability errors?
□ Intrusive interstitials?
□ Security issues?Step 2.4: Brand Signal Check
Reference: SOP 008 - Brand Search Volume
Brand Signals:
□ Check brand search volume (Ahrefs Keywords Explorer)
□ Social media presence
□ Mentions without links
□ Direct traffic percentagePhase 3: Action Plan
Priority Matrix
| Issue | Impact | Effort | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix E-E-A-T issues | High | High | 1 |
| Remove/improve thin content | High | Medium | 2 |
| Disavow toxic links | Medium | Low | 3 |
| Fix technical issues | Medium | Medium | 4 |
| Build brand signals | High | High | 5 |
Step 3.1: Content Fixes
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| CONTENT IMPROVEMENT PLAN |
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| For Each Affected Page: |
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| 1. Add author with real bio and credentials |
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| 2. Add first-hand experience elements: |
| - Personal testing photos |
| - Specific numbers from your use |
| - Pros AND cons from experience |
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| 3. Add unique value: |
| - Original research/data |
| - Expert quotes |
| - Specific recommendations with reasoning |
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| 4. Remove low-value sections: |
| - Generic filler paragraphs |
| - Obvious/basic information |
| - Keyword-stuffed content |
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+---------------------------------------------------------------------+Step 3.2: Link Profile Cleanup
If link issues identified:
- Create disavow file for toxic links
- Submit to Google Disavow Tool
- Stop any link schemes
- Build quality replacement links
Step 3.3: Brand Building Campaign
Brand Recovery Actions:
□ Post job listings (drives brand searches)
□ Guest on podcasts
□ Create YouTube content
□ Run brand awareness ads
□ Get featured in "Best X Blogs" listsPhase 4: Recovery Monitoring
Tracking Progress
| Metric | Check Frequency |
|---|---|
| Rankings | Weekly |
| Organic traffic | Weekly |
| Brand searches | Monthly |
| Core Web Vitals | Monthly |
| Indexation status | Bi-weekly |
Recovery Timeline
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| EXPECTED RECOVERY TIMELINE |
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| Core Update: Wait for next core update (every ~3 months) |
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| Helpful Content: Can recover between updates |
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| Product Reviews: Wait for next review update |
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| Manual Action: After reconsideration request approval |
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| Note: Full recovery often takes 2-3 update cycles |
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+---------------------------------------------------------------------+Signs of Recovery
- Gradual ranking improvements
- Increased impressions in GSC
- Specific pages regaining positions
- New content ranking faster
Signs of Further Issues
- Continued decline after fixes
- New pages also not ranking
- Competitors passing you
Emergency Checklist
If severely hit (90%+ traffic loss):
Immediate Actions:
□ Check for manual action in GSC
□ Verify no security issues
□ Check robots.txt not blocking
□ Verify canonical tags correct
□ Check for massive de-indexationRelated Workflows
- 001 - New Site Launch - Sometimes starting fresh is the answer