A negative SEO disavow file is a text document you submit to Google that lists toxic backlinks you want search engines to ignore when evaluating your site’s authority. When you’re under a negative SEO attack, a properly formatted disavow file is your primary defense against algorithmic penalties.
This guide provides complete disavow file examples for different negative SEO scenarios, proper formatting rules, and best practices to maximize effectiveness while avoiding mistakes that could harm your rankings.
What is a Disavow File?
A disavow file tells Google: “Please ignore these specific links when calculating my site’s rankings.” It’s used when:
- You’re targeted by negative SEO attacks
- You can’t manually remove toxic backlinks
- You’ve received a manual penalty for unnatural links
- Your site has accumulated spam links over time
Google processes disavow files every 2-4 weeks and uses them as a signal to ignore specified links in their algorithms.
When to Use a Disavow File
Use disavow files for:
- Spam directory links
- Hacked website links
- Automated blog comment spam
- Link farm backlinks
- Paid links from low-quality sites
- Foreign language spam sites
- Adult or gambling site links (if irrelevant)
Don’t disavow:
- Links from authoritative sites (even if nofollow)
- Links you’re uncertain about
- Most nofollow links (Google already ignores them)
- Links from legitimate competitors or industry sites
Disavow File Format Rules
Technical Requirements:
- File format: Plain text (.txt) only
- File name: Any name ending in .txt (e.g., disavow.txt)
- Encoding: UTF-8 or 7-bit ASCII
- Max size: 2MB (approximately 100,000 URLs)
- One entry per line: Each URL or domain on a new line
Syntax Rules:
Disavow entire domain:
domain:spamsite.com
Disavow specific URL:
http://example.com/spam-page.html
Add comments:
# This is a comment explaining the spam type
URLs must include protocol:
- ✅ Correct:
http://site.com/page - ❌ Wrong:
site.com/page
Basic Disavow File Example
Here’s a simple disavow file for a small negative SEO attack:
# Negative SEO attack detected January 15, 2025 # Approximately 500 spam links from automated networks # Spam directories domain:free-link-directory.com domain:submit-url-today.net domain:quick-links-2024.org # Blog comment spam domain:spamblognetwork.com domain:automated-comments.info # Hacked sites with spam pages http://legitsite.com/spam-page-12345.html http://anothersite.org/hacked-link-page.php # Foreign language spam domain:китайский-спам.ru domain:スパムサイト.jp
Advanced Disavow File Examples
Example 1: Large-Scale Backlink Attack
For attacks with 5,000+ spam links:
# NEGATIVE SEO ATTACK DOCUMENTATION # Attack detected: December 20, 2024 # Total toxic links: 5,847 # Attack type: Automated link network + anchor text spam # Business impact: Rankings dropped from #3 to #18 for primary keyword # ====================== # TIER 1: HIGH-PRIORITY TOXIC DOMAINS # ====================== # Adult/gambling spam (327 links) domain:adult-link-spam.xxx domain:casino-backlinks-2024.com domain:gambling-seo-services.net # Pharma spam (892 links) domain:buy-pills-online.biz domain:cheap-viagra-links.info domain:prescription-no-rx.org # Link farms (1,243 links) domain:linkfarm-network-01.com domain:seo-backlink-service.net domain:instant-links-2024.org domain:free-backlink-generator.info # Hacked WordPress sites (567 links) domain:hacked-wp-site-234.com domain:compromised-blog-links.net http://legitblog.com/wp-content/spam-links.html http://realbusiness.org/hidden-link-page-x8f2j.php # ====================== # TIER 2: FOREIGN LANGUAGE SPAM # ====================== # Russian spam networks domain:русский-линк.ru domain:ссылки-купить.com domain:seo-продвижение.net # Chinese spam directories domain:中文垃圾链接.cn domain:搜索引擎优化.com # Japanese blog networks domain:スパムリンク.jp domain:バックリンク販売.org # ====================== # TIER 3: BLOG COMMENT SPAM # ====================== # Automated comment networks domain:auto-comment-poster.com domain:blog-spam-network-2024.net domain:comment-backlinks-service.org # Individual spam comment pages (when domain is otherwise legitimate) http://goodblog.com/article-123/comment-spam-link http://legitimatesite.org/post-456/#comment-789 # ====================== # TIER 4: WEB 2.0 SPAM # ====================== # Spam blogs on platforms http://spammer123.blogspot.com/ http://seo-spam-account.wordpress.com/ http://link-builder-2024.tumblr.com/ # ====================== # TIER 5: DIRECTORY SPAM # ====================== domain:free-directory-submit.com domain:instant-url-listing.net domain:web-directory-2024.org domain:submit-your-link-today.info
Example 2: Anchor Text Spam Attack
For attacks focused on over-optimized anchor text:
# Anchor Text Spam Attack - February 2025 # Pattern: 847 links with exact-match anchor "buy cheap insurance" # All links created within 3-day period # Source: Automated blog comment spam # Primary spam networks using toxic anchors domain:insurance-backlinks.com domain:cheap-seo-links.net domain:automated-anchors.org # Forum profile spam domain:forum-spam-network.info domain:profile-link-service.com # Article directories with spun content domain:article-submission-2024.org domain:content-directory-links.net
Example 3: Content Scraping + Link Injection
When attackers scrape your content and inject spam links:
# Content Scraping Attack - March 2025 # Attacker scraped 47 articles and republished with spam links # Domains hosting scraped content: domain:content-thief-site1.com domain:article-scraper-blog.net domain:stolen-content-2024.org # Individual scraped pages (when domain is otherwise legitimate) http://content-farm.com/scraped-article-12345.html http://article-site.org/copied-content-xyz.html
Example 4: Negative SEO from Competitor
When attacks are sophisticated and targeted:
# SUSPECTED COMPETITIVE NEGATIVE SEO ATTACK # Attack timeline: January-March 2025 # Evidence: Links appeared immediately after we overtook competitor for target keyword # Pattern: Gradual escalation, multiple tactics used # ===== PHASE 1: Link Farm Networks (Jan 2025) ===== domain:link-pyramid-builder.com domain:tiered-backlinks-2024.net domain:seo-blast-service.org # ===== PHASE 2: Foreign Language Spam (Feb 2025) ===== domain:китайские-ссылки.ru domain:스팸링크.kr domain:スパムサイト2024.jp # ===== PHASE 3: Anchor Text Bomb (Mar 2025) ===== # 2,340 links with exact anchor "target keyword" in 48 hours domain:anchor-spam-network-01.com domain:anchor-spam-network-02.net domain:rapid-link-builder.org # ===== PHASE 4: Negative Reviews + Brand Spam ===== domain:fake-review-site.com domain:scam-report-spam.org
How to Create Your Disavow File
Step 1: Export Your Backlinks
Gather data from multiple sources:
- Google Search Console: Links → More → Export external links
- Ahrefs: Site Explorer → Backlinks → Export
- SEMrush: Backlink Analytics → Export
- Moz: Link Explorer → Export link data
Step 2: Identify Toxic Links
Use these criteria to identify spam:
Definite spam signals:
- Links from adult/gambling sites (if irrelevant)
- Pharmaceutical spam domains
- Links from hacked pages
- Automated blog comment spam
- Known link farm networks
- Foreign language spam (irrelevant to your business)
- Sites with domain rating <10 and obvious spam content
Probable spam signals:
- Sudden spike of 100+ links in one day
- Identical anchor text across dozens of domains
- Links from unrelated industries/languages
- Sites with no real content (just link directories)
Step 3: Organize by Priority
Sort spam links into categories:
- High priority: Adult, pharma, obvious spam
- Medium priority: Low-quality directories, blog comments
- Low priority: Uncertain or borderline cases
Start with high priority links in your disavow file.
Step 4: Choose Domain vs URL
Disavow entire domain when:
- Entire site is spam or low-quality
- Multiple pages from same domain link to you
- Site is a known link network
- It’s a hacked or compromised domain
Disavow specific URLs when:
- Only one page on an otherwise legitimate site contains spam
- A good site was temporarily hacked
- Specific forum posts or comments are spam but forum is legitimate
Step 5: Format and Document
Create your disavow.txt file:
- Open Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) in plain text mode
- Add header comments with attack details and dates
- Organize by category with comment headers
- List domains/URLs one per line
- Save as disavow.txt with UTF-8 encoding
How to Submit Your Disavow File
Submission Process:
- Go to Google Disavow Tool
- Select your property from the dropdown
- Read and understand the warning
- Click “Disavow Links”
- Click “Choose File” and select your disavow.txt
- Click “Submit”
- Confirm submission
Important Notes:
- Submission replaces any previous disavow file
- Always include previous entries if updating
- Download current file before making changes
- Google processes updates every 2-4 weeks
Common Disavow File Mistakes
Mistake 1: Wrong File Format
❌ Using .doc, .docx, .pdf, .xlsx
✅ Use .txt (plain text) only
Mistake 2: Missing Protocol
❌ spamsite.com/page.html
✅ http://spamsite.com/page.html
Mistake 3: Disavowing Good Links
❌ Disavowing nofollow links from authoritative sites
✅ Focus only on clear spam from toxic domains
Mistake 4: Incomplete Updates
❌ Uploading new file without previous entries
✅ Always include cumulative list of all disavowed links
Mistake 5: Over-Disavowing
❌ Disavowing 80% of backlink profile out of fear
✅ Be conservative – only disavow obvious spam
After Submitting Your Disavow File
What Happens Next:
- Processing time: Google reviews file within 2-4 weeks
- Algorithm updates: Next crawl incorporates disavowed links
- Ranking changes: May see fluctuations as algorithms adjust
- Full recovery: Typically 1-3 months depending on severity
Monitoring Recovery:
- Track keyword rankings daily
- Monitor Google Search Console for new spam links
- Check for manual action updates (if applicable)
- Update disavow file if new spam appears
If Rankings Don’t Recover:
- Verify disavow file was submitted correctly
- Check if attack is ongoing (new spam links)
- Review if you disavowed the right links
- Consider filing manual action reconsideration (if applicable)
- Build new high-quality backlinks to dilute spam
Updating Your Disavow File
You should update your disavow file when:
- New spam links appear (ongoing attack)
- You identify additional toxic links
- Some disavowed links were removed manually
- You receive new manual actions
Update process:
- Download your current disavow file from Google
- Add new entries to the file
- Keep all previous entries (cumulative list)
- Re-upload the updated file
When to Get Professional Help
Consider hiring a negative SEO professional if:
- You have 10,000+ backlinks to audit
- You’re unsure which links to disavow
- You’ve received a manual penalty
- The attack is ongoing and sophisticated
- Your disavow file didn’t work after 60 days
- You need urgent recovery
- Multiple attack vectors are being used simultaneously
Professionals can accurately identify toxic links, create comprehensive disavow files, and handle Google reconsideration requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many links can I disavow?
The file size limit is 2MB, which allows approximately 100,000 URLs. However, focus on quality over quantity – disavow only clearly toxic links.
Can I undo a disavow?
Yes. Simply upload a new disavow file without the links you want to restore. However, it takes 2-4 weeks for Google to process the update.
Should I disavow nofollow links?
Generally no. Google already ignores nofollow links for ranking purposes. Only disavow nofollow links if they’re from extremely spammy or offensive sites that could damage your reputation.
Do I need to disavow before requesting reconsideration?
Yes. If you have a manual action for unnatural links, Google expects you to disavow toxic links you couldn’t remove manually before requesting reconsideration.
Will disavowing hurt my rankings?
Only if you disavow legitimate links. Conservative disavowing (only obvious spam) rarely harms rankings and usually helps by removing toxic signals.
How often should I update my disavow file?
Check monthly for new spam links. Update your disavow file whenever you discover significant new toxic backlinks (50+ spam links).
Conclusion
A properly formatted disavow file is your most powerful tool against negative SEO attacks. The key is being conservative – only disavow links you’re certain are toxic, document your reasoning with comments, and organize by category for easy management.
Remember that disavow files work best when combined with other recovery strategies: manual link removal requests, reporting to Google, and building new high-quality backlinks. Most negative SEO attacks are reversible with the right approach and patience.
If you’re dealing with a large-scale attack or uncertain about which links to disavow, professional assistance can save time and prevent mistakes that could harm your recovery.