Hacked site vs No site
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So I have this website that got hacked with cloaking and Google has labeled it as such in the SERPs. With due reason of coarse. My question is I am going to relaunch an entirely new redesigned website in less than 30 days, do I pull the hacked site down until then or leave it up? Which option is better?
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Hi Rich,
I cleaned up a clients site using a method similar to what Derk described. The developer basically kept all the site exactly the same, removed infected areas and then let Google know. The vulnerability was in an old plugin.
It took 24 hours and the 'this website may be hacked' was removed by Google. I dont think it is as dire as you think as long you have a competent developer.
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According to Google you should put your site in quarantaine (status 503) and make it available again when it's cleaned (in your case - relaunched). Source: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/2600719?hl=en.
Personally, I would also consider the option to clean your current site: 3/4 weeks is a very long time and it could have a negative impact on your rankings.
Dirk
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