Disavow File Generator for Google Search Console

Disavow File Generator

Disavow File Generator helps create a disavow file used by website owners to inform search engines like Google about toxic backlinks they want to disavow. This is essential for avoiding penalties from spammy or irrelevant backlinks. The file can include either specific URLs or entire domains.

Disavow in the context of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) means formally rejecting or disassociating from something—in this case, specific backlinks to your website. A backlink is a link from one website to another, and while backlinks are usually beneficial for SEO, some can harm your site’s search engine rankings.

How to Disavow Backlinks?

Disavowing backlinks involves informing search engines, like Google, to ignore specific links pointing to your website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disavow backlinks using Google’s Disavow Tool:

Step 1: Identify Harmful Backlinks

  1. Audit Your Backlinks:
    • Use tools like:
      • Google Search Console (under the “Links” section).
      • Third-party SEO tools (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz).
    • Export your backlinks for analysis.
  2. Spot Harmful Backlinks:
    • Look for these characteristics:
      • Links from spammy, low-quality, or irrelevant sites.
      • Links with over-optimized anchor text (e.g., keyword-stuffed).
      • Links from sites involved in malware or adult content.
      • Links from link farms or PBNs (Private Blog Networks).

Step 2: Generate a Disavow File in txt Format

Using the above Disavow file generator,

  1. Input the Links:
    • In the text area labeled “Enter up to 10,000 links,” paste the links you want to disavow.
    • Links can be entered as:
      • Comma-separated: https://example.com/page1, https://example2.com
      • One per line: https://example.com/page1 https://example2.com
      • Mixed formats are also accepted.
  2. Select Conversion Option:
    • Below the “Generate Disavow File” button, choose one of the following options:
      • Keep URLs and domains as they are(default):
        • URLs remain as url:<full-url>.
        • Root domains are automatically formatted as domain:<root-domain> if the path is empty.
      • Convert all to root domains:
        • All inputs (even full URLs) are simplified to domain:<root-domain>.
  3. Generate the Disavow File:
    • Click the “Generate Disavow File” button.
    • The tool processes your input and outputs the formatted disavow file content in the second text area.
  4. Review the Output:
    • The output is displayed in the bottom text area. It will be formatted as:
      domain:example.com
      url:https://example.com/page1
  5. Download the File:
    • Click the “Download Disavow File” button.
    • A file named rankmardisavowfile.txt will automatically download containing the output.
    • The file is generated entirely in your browser with no server involvement.

Key Features of the Tool

  • Handles up to 10,000 links.
  • Flexible input format: comma-separated, new lines, or mixed.
  • Dynamic conversion: Option to keep URLs as-is or convert all to root domains.
  • Instant file download: Generates a .txt file ready for upload to Google Search Console.

This tool is designed for ease of use, ensuring minimal effort in generating correctly formatted disavow files.

Step 3: Submit the Disavow File

  1. Access the Disavow Tool:
    • Go to the Google Disavow Tool.
    • Log in with your Google account and select your property (website).
  2. Upload the Disavow File:
    • Click “Disavow Links” and confirm your action.
    • Upload your prepared .txt file.
  3. Wait for Processing:
    • Google may take 2 weeks (my own experience) to process the disavow file and reflect changes in your rankings.

Key Points to Remember

  • Be Selective: Disavow only harmful links to avoid accidentally harming your SEO.
  • Use a Backup File: Save a copy of your current disavow file before making updates.
  • Manual Link Removal First: Always attempt to remove harmful links manually before disavowing.
  • Update as Needed: Periodically revisit your disavow file to keep it updated with new harmful links.

By carefully following these steps, you can protect your website from the negative effects of spammy or toxic backlinks.

In short, disavowing is like telling Google, “I didn’t ask for these links; please don’t let them count against me.”