Search engine rankings can be a make-or-break issue for websites, and it is important for website owners to be aware of any factors that could have a negative effect on search engine optimization (SEO). One such factor is spam. While the term "spam" originally referred to unsolicited email messages sent in an attempt to scam people, it has grown to encompass multiple forms of harmful or unhelpful content on websites. In some cases, this content may be added to sites in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings, while in others, it may be intended to steal people's personal information, show them ads, or manipulate them into buying products or services. 

Because spam is an ongoing issue that can be both annoying and harmful, Google has taken steps to improve the experience of its users by decreasing the search rankings of sites that contain spam. Unfortunately, this may cause some sites to be inadvertently penalized because website owners were not aware that they had violated Google's policies. By understanding the types of spam that Google is looking for, site owners can make sure they are following the best practices for SEO and that they are taking the right steps to show up in search results.