Unexpected redirects
An unexpected redirect is a type of search spam where a user is taken from the original site to a third-party resource, and this redirection is not obvious to them.
Redirection can occur when a user:
- accesses a site page from a search engine;
- interacts with site elements, such as clicking a button.
Unexpected redirects often use doorway pages that lead to resources the user did not intend to visit. For example, someone searches for a borscht recipe but ends up on a website selling houseplants.
What cases are not considered unexpected redirects
The following are not considered violations:
- redirects that are performed openly;
- redirects that have a clear reason;
- redirects that do not mislead the user or harm them.
For example, redirecting to a version of the site with a new design during testing or placing interface elements (e.g., buttons, banners, links) that encourage users to move to another resource for an obvious purpose.
How to eliminate or prevent the violation
Check the correctness of links and other site elements (e.g., plugins and other scripts) that can redirect users.
Make sure that clicking on links corresponds to their representation in the interface and the users' intentions.