Google sandbox

The Google 'sandbox' is a term used to describe a set of filters Google applies to websites to limit the websites inclusion in search engine search results. Websites typically only fall into the sandbox within the websites first year. Websites normally fall into the sandbox because the domain name uses competitive keywords, or the website gains high levels of inbound links unnaturally quickly.

Google applies these filters to a given website to reduce or exclude the websites inclusion in certain search engines results. This is done to prevent potential spam websites from appearing in search engines results. Only long-term and high quality websites are therefore generally seen in search engine results.

The sandbox filters

There are many sandbox filters, and Google releases only limited information about these filters. Below is a summary of some of the common filters.

Competitive topic or keywords

A website dealing with competitive topics or competitive keywords is likely to be filtered from search engine results, especially if the competitive keywords can be found in the domain name. The website can be excluded entirely from search engine results for the competitive keywords, or sometimes found much further down in the results that you would expect. There is no way to avoid this filter if you are dealing with competitive keywords. Once the filter is removed the website will start to appear in the results for these keywords.

High number of inbound links

If a website gains lots of inbound links soon after being added to the Google index a filter may be applied. Websites naturally gain links from a variety of sources slowly and over a long period of time. If you intend on getting inbound links for a website, do so slowly and from a variety of source, this will help to avoid the filter.

Inbound links from unrelated websites

Gaining inbound links from websites whose topic does not relate to your websites topic can impose a filter. Websites typically gain inbound links from related websites. If you are working to gain inbound links get the links from related websites, but not too quickly (see above). Do not cross-linking your websites if they are not topic related, this old trick doesn't work anymore.

Multi-topic website

Google likes to categorize a website. If your website covers multiple topics and Google cannot clearly define what the website topic is, the website is likely to be filtered from search engine results. To avoid the filter add a single topic of content to the website first. After a period of time, such as 2 months, add another related topic.

How to avoid the Google sandbox

If you are creating or promoting a new website with a competitive topic then the website is likely to be placed into the sandbox. This normally occurs within the first month of the website being added to the Google index. Websites in the sandbox normally are removed within 6 to 12 months. However some websites remain in the sandbox for longer. See the 'sandbox filters' section above, which details how to avoid each type of common filter. Below are some general guidelines

1. Buy the domain name, add a holding page, and link to it from a single webpage with a similar topic, already in the Google index. The new website will eventually be indexed. Don't bother submitting it to Google, linking is quicker. Now, don't change anything on the website for 3 months. Work on the website offline, then upload the new site after the 3 month period. Don't gain any further inbound links.
2. Slowly gain inbound links from only topic related websites. 1 link per week is enough for the first 2 months.
3. Continue adding content, no more than 2 pages per day.
4. After this 2 months start gaining backlinks at no more than 5 per week.
5. If you have avoided the sandbox then continue to add content and gain backlinks at no more than 5 per week.
6. After 1 year gain backlinks at a higher frequency.

How to get out of the sandbox

There is little you can do to get out of the sandbox. If you really want to try then email Google and ask for their assistance.