Introduction: In the digital world, security is paramount. If your WordPress website gets compromised, Google may blacklist it, issuing a malware warning to users who access your site via their search results. Restoring your website's reputation involves cleaning or deleting the infected files, and then requesting Google to reevaluate and remove their malware warning. If you're uncertain about these procedures, ElySpace offers a comprehensive Website Security service to assist you. This guide will take you through the process of clearing Google's malware warning and optimizing your site's visibility in search results.
Section 1: Setting up Google Search Console: Firstly, you must authenticate your domain ownership via Google Search Console (formerly known as Webmaster Tools). Google uses this tool to communicate any issues affecting your site's appearance in their search results. Here's how to set up the Google Search Console:
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Access the Google Search Console page and log in using your Google account.
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Click on "Add a property". This option allows you to add the domain you want to monitor and manage.
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Enter your domain name into the provided field, then click "Add". This initiates the process of adding your website to your console account.
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Download the HTML verification file by following the provided link. This file is used to confirm that you have access to the website's server.
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Upload this HTML file to your hosting account at ElySpace. You can use any of the given options like cPanel, Plesk, Web Hosting, or Managed WordPress to do so.
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After the file is uploaded, click on the link in the Google Search Console to confirm your action.
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Click "Verify" to initiate the verification process.
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After successful verification, click "Continue".
Once these steps are completed, your website will be officially added to your Google Search Console, and you will have verified your ownership, which is a crucial step in SEO optimization.
Section 2: Requesting a Site Review from Google: After setting up and verifying your site on the Google Search Console, the next step is to ask Google to reevaluate your website. Follow these steps:
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Log into your Google Search Console account.
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Navigate to your site dashboard and select the site you want to be reviewed.
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Click on "Security Issues". This option will allow you to view any existing security issues and request reviews for your site.
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Select "Request a review". Here, you'll be asked to provide details about what actions you took to remove the malware from your site.
Google's review process might take several days to complete. Once done, you'll receive the results on the messages page of your Google Search Console. If the review was successful, Google will remove the malware warning, and your website's credibility and SEO ranking will be restored.
Conclusion: Keeping your website safe and free from malware is essential for maintaining a good user experience and a high SEO ranking. At ElySpace, we're committed to ensuring your online presence is secure and optimized for visibility. Use the steps above to resolve any malware warnings, and don't hesitate to contact us for comprehensive website security services.