The definition of Black Hat SEO can be very hard to pinpoint, especially if you’re not an expert in the area. Because of this, many people may try to use techniques that fall into this category without even realizing it – and that can lead to terrible consequences later on down the line. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what black hat techniques are and how they can impact your website and your business as a whole.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing a website for Google search with the goal of earning higher web traffic levels and improving the visibility of the site. The goal is one: the highest possible ranking position. However, it is a long process that requires commitment, knowledge and tools. Black hat SEO is a collection of techniques against the guidelines set by search engines, and can result in penalties or even getting banned from the SERP altogether. It happens that these are unconscious actions resulting from the ignorance of administrators, but most of them can be shortcuts.
The most common cases include:
The search engine uses the help of algorithms and web robots to detect illegal techniques. They are designed to search, analyze and evaluate web pages included in the Google index.
Google divides sanctions into two types. Filters are penalties imposed for a specific period of time – from a month, even up to several years. Its application means that the website can drop even by 70 positions in the ranking. They are imposed mainly due to the unnatural growth of external links with a specific anchor, unnatural links, the use of a link exchange system, spam.
However, the bans are much more serious. Their imposition results in exclusion from the search results. Although the website physically exists, it is impossible to find by Internet users. In extreme cases, you can even be removed from the index. These penalties are related to threatening Black Hat SEO practices, extorting money, promoting porn sites, etc.
If you think you may have been a victim of Black Hat SEO, the first thing you should do is check your website’s traffic. If you see a sudden and significant drop in traffic, it’s possible that your site has been penalized. You can also check Google Search Console to see if there are any messages from Google about your site. If you do find evidence that your site has been penalized, the best course of action is to correct the offending behavior and submit a reconsideration request to Google.
The symptoms include being banned from search engines, decreased traffic, and lower conversion rates. In extreme cases, it can even get your website blacklisted, which will completely destroy your online presence.
First, remove any items of questionable quality. The “request for re-inclusion” form in Google SiteMaps will help you with this. As for optimization, the best solution will be:
It happens that sometimes we lose control over our website – make sure your users do not engage in unethical activities. You can always contact Google: ask for an overview of the penalty imposed, describe the problems and comment on the results.
If you do not have the appropriate knowledge or tools and you are afraid that Black Hat techniques, consider working with a professional SEO services Meath. It has the appropriate competences to take care of your website in the eyes of Google. Appropriate protocols, certificates and programs are used for this.
Overall, unethical techniques are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Not only can they result in your site being banned from search engines, but they can also lead to your site being hacked or attacked. Plus, using black hat techniques can negatively impact your reputation and make it difficult for you to build trust with your audience. Always watch your back!
Main photo: Andrea Piacquadio/pexels.com
