So Google has been confusing us a bit, with good intention, on the disavow file and its use after Penguin 4.0. Initially, Google implied disavow files help with Penguin still – but that does not seem to be true. Since Penguin devalues and doesn’t demote – disavowing a devalued link, doesn’t do much – at all.
But then John posted on Twitter this morning that “nothing changed with the disavow.” Well, it has, in terms of Penguin – but Google still thinks that if you are concerned, use it for other algorithms and manual actions.
John spoke about the disavow file a few times in the hangout yesterday morning.
First was at the 20:09 mark where he said the vast majority of sites do not need to use the disavow file:
Then at 23:20 John said it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it. Even if Penguin devalues, use it for other reasons:
He then was asked about those who suggest to remove the disavow file completely:
What about the reverse, those who disavow all links?
Here is the video embed:
So yes, as I said, use the disavow file but you do not specifically need it for Penguin. But use it if you have used it in the past.
