Google added, “it’s important to note that not all third-party content violates this policy.” To see Google’s spam policies page about what is and isn’t site reputation abuse.
Different content from main site. Google also reiterated that it has algorithms that may adjust the ranking of that content by not benefiting from the site-wide signals if it is independent or starkly different from the main content of the site. “By treating these areas as if they are standalone sites, it better ensures a level playing field, so that sub-sections of sites don’t get a ranking boost just because of the reputation of the main site,” Google added.
Google continued to write in its blog post to say:
“Our efforts to understand differences in sections of sites can lead to traffic changes if sub-sections no longer benefit from site-wide signals. This doesn’t mean that these sub-sections have somehow been demoted or are in violation of our spam policies. It simply means we’re measuring them independently, even if they are located within a site.” Oh, and just to be clear, this confirms again that Google does use site-wide signals, as Glenn Gabe documented incredibly well over here.
Why we care. Many SEO have been complaining about the harm and unfairness that comes from parasite SEO. With so many complaints about the quality of Search results lately, this may help with some of those complaints.
Sometimes this is called Parasite SEO in our industry but not everyone will agree with this policy change. In fact, I suspect many will not be happy with this more broad-reaching update to this spam policy.