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Spam Comments SEO: Do They Hurt & How to Stop Them?

June 28, 2025
Spam Comments SEO: Do They Hurt & How to Stop Them?

Let’s get this out of the way: spam comments are the digital equivalent of someone spray-painting “Buy Cheap Sunglasses!” on your office door. Not only do they look bad, but they can also drag down your blog’s SEO faster than you can say “algorithm update.” So, can spam comments on your blog hurt your SEO? Absolutely. And, more importantly, what can you do about it? Let’s dive in — coffee break optional, but recommended.

Why Spam Comments Are an SEO Nightmare

If you’ve ever scrolled through your blog’s comment section and found a suspicious number of links to “miracle diet pills” or “get rich quick” schemes, you’re not alone. According to industry reports, up to 85% of all blog comments can be spam if left unchecked. That’s not just annoying — it’s a direct threat to your search rankings and your brand’s reputation.

Google’s Not Laughing

Google’s major algorithm updates (think Panda, Penguin, and their ever-evolving cousins) have made it clear: spammy, low-quality content — including in your comments — can get you penalized. If your blog is riddled with irrelevant or harmful links, Google might decide your site is more “bad neighborhood” than “trusted resource,” and down you go in the rankings.

As the folks at AlchemyLeads put it:

“Google has clearly stated that it is against web pages with many spam comments. As such, you should be extra careful about the comments users post on your website, forum, or any other online property.”

Outbound Links: The Company You Keep

Spam comments often include links to questionable sites — gambling, adult content, or just plain scams. If your blog is seen as a hub for these “bad neighborhoods,” Google may associate your site with them. That’s not the kind of networking you want.

Even if you use nofollow tags (which tell search engines not to pass authority to those links), a high volume of spammy comments signals poor site maintenance. Google’s bots aren’t fooled by a simple tag — they’re looking for signs you’re actively curating your content.

User Experience: Not Just for Show

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to wade through a swamp of spam to find a genuine comment. Spammy comment sections drive away real users, kill engagement, and make your blog look neglected. As Digital Authority Partners bluntly states:

“If the comments section of a site is not managed properly it will, at best, have no effect on SEO and, at worst, actively hurt it.”

The Real-World Impact: Stats & Stories

  • Organic traffic can drop significantly if your blog is overrun by spam, according to multiple SEO case studies.
  • Google’s own Webmaster Guidelines warn against user-generated spam, including in comments.
  • A neglected comment section can damage your brand’s trustworthiness, making users less likely to return or share your content.

How to Prevent Spam Comments (Without Losing Your Sanity)

You don’t have to become a full-time spam bouncer. Here’s how to keep your comments section sparkling clean — and your SEO intact.

1. Enable Comment Moderation

Most blogging platforms (WordPress, Blogger, etc.) let you review comments before they go live. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s like checking IDs at the door — only the good stuff gets in.

2. Use Anti-Spam Plugins

Tools like Akismet, reCAPTCHA, and other anti-spam plugins do the heavy lifting. They filter out obvious spam so you can focus on the occasional sneaky one.

3. Add NoFollow to Comment Links

Make sure all links in your comment section are set to nofollow. This tells search engines not to pass any link equity to potentially harmful sites. It’s not a cure-all, but it helps.

4. Limit Links in Comments

Restrict the number of links allowed in a single comment. Most spammers are in it for the backlinks — cut off their supply, and they’ll move on.

5. Regularly Clean Up Old Comments

Set a reminder (maybe during your next “I’ll just check emails” break) to review and delete spammy or irrelevant comments from older posts.

6. Disable Comments If Necessary

If your blog doesn’t benefit from user comments, consider turning them off. No comments, no spam — problem solved.

7. Stay Updated on Best Practices

Google’s algorithms are always evolving. Keep an eye on the latest SEO news and Google Search Central Blog for updates on spam detection and penalties.

Regulations, Policies, and Platform Tools

  • Google’s Webmaster Guidelines: Explicitly advise removing user-generated spam to maintain site quality.
  • Platform Policies: Most major blogging platforms have built-in anti-spam tools and clear policies to help you keep things tidy.

Why This Matters for Businesses (And How We Can Help)

If you’re running a business, agency, or content-driven enterprise, you’ve got better things to do than play whack-a-mole with spam comments. That’s where we come in. At bloggingmachine.io, our AI-powered platform doesn’t just churn out SEO-optimized articles — it helps you maintain high-quality, engaging, and spam-free content that search engines (and real humans) love.

By automating content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research, we let you focus on growing your business — not cleaning up after digital vandals. Because, let’s face it, nobody dreams of being a comment section janitor.

FAQ: Spam Comments SEO Edition

Can spam comments really get my site penalized by Google?

Yes. If your blog is flooded with spammy, irrelevant, or harmful links, Google may penalize your site, causing a drop in search rankings.

Do nofollow tags on comment links solve the problem?

They help, but they’re not a silver bullet. A high volume of spammy comments — even with nofollow — signals poor site maintenance.

Should I just turn off comments altogether?

If your blog doesn’t benefit from user engagement, disabling comments is a valid option. Otherwise, use moderation and anti-spam tools.

What’s the best anti-spam plugin for blogs?

Popular options include Akismet and reCAPTCHA, but the best choice depends on your platform and specific needs.

How often should I review my comments section?

Regularly — at least once a week. Set reminders, or automate the process with plugins if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

Spam comments aren’t just an eyesore — they’re a real threat to your SEO, user experience, and brand reputation. But with a little vigilance (and the right tools), you can keep your blog clean, your rankings high, and your sanity intact.

Ready to automate your content creation and keep your blog in top shape? Check out bloggingmachine.io and let us handle the heavy lifting — so you can get back to the important stuff, like lunch.

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