Step-by-Step Diagnostic Checklist to Confirm a Google Search Shadow Ban

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Checklist for Google Search Shadow Ban

A Google Search shadow ban (also called stealth demotion) occurs when pages lose visibility in search results without a manual penalty notice, often shown by sharp drops in impressions and clicks. Confirm it systematically using Google tools and tests below, as no official Google term exists—it's inferred from data patterns.

1. Check Google Search Console (GSC) for Traffic Drops

• Log into GSC and review the Performance report for targeted pages or keywords.
• Look for sharp declines in impressions and clicks without manual action notifications—the core indicator of shadow ban.
• Verify Coverage report to ensure pages are indexed (not "Excluded" or errored).
• Cross-check with Google Analytics for matching traffic drops, crawl errors, or broken links.

2. Test Search Visibility Incognito

• Use incognito/private mode or another browser/device.
• Search for your exact target keywords (e.g., site:yourdomain.com "keyword")—pages should appear if not shadow banned.
• If previously ranking pages vanish from top results but remain indexed, suspect demotion.

3. Audit for Common Triggers

• Scan for low-quality/thin content, repetitive pages, or templated CMS issues (e.g., Webflow collections).
• Check technical problems: broken pagination, cloaking, keyword stuffing, or link schemes.
• Review GSC for warnings on manipulative SEO (black-hat tactics).

4. Benchmark Against Competitors

• Compare your rankings/impressions to similar sites for the same keywords.
• Sudden underperformance while competitors rise points to site-specific issues like shadow ban.

5. Monitor Over Time

• Wait 24+ hours before changes, as drops can stem from temporary updates.
• Track daily via GSC; persistent issues (beyond 1-2 weeks) confirm likely shadow ban.

If confirmed, fix by improving content/technical issues and request re-indexing in GSC—no direct "appeal" like manual bans. Recovery varies but starts with audits. Note: Social platform tests (e.g., shadowban scanners) don't apply to Google Search.