Blackhat Search Engine Optimization

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Search engine optimization professionals have probably heard of the expression known as blackhat SEO. Blackhat SEO entails a collection of strategies deployed to improve a website's or page's ranking in search engine results, but done in ways that violate the search engines' terms of service.

Fundamentally, blackhat SEO is a quickfire approach that may get your site to the forefront of search results quickly. However, these techniques are typically seen as unethical, and search engines like Google here may severely penalize sites discovered using them.

One common blackhat technique is excessive keyword usage. This means loading a webpage with search terms or numbers with the intent of manipulating a site's ranking in Google search results. They might appear in a list, pile, out of context, or overlaid on the background.

Establishing link farms is another common method. Here, webpages are tied together in a circular network to increase the rank of all the sites in the circle. However, if a site is linked to from numerous unrelated websites, it may also be penalized.

Cloaking is an especially deceptive blackhat method. This is when different content is presented to search engines than to users, essentially redirecting users to alternate pages without their permission.

Despite the potential penalties, why do people use blackhat SEO? The simple answer is: to achieve quick results. These methods give websites the pretense of authority, boosting them up the search results fast.

However, the gain is short-lived. Search engines now incorporate advanced algorithms that identify these manipulative techniques. Once they're identified, penalties can include lower rankings or even being deleted entirely from the search index.

As a result, many websites are moving towards white hat SEO strategies. These are approaches that aim to build a website's prominence in legitimate ways. Some examples are creating relevant content that provides valuable information to the reader, optimizing website tags, or creating a positive user experience.

So, while blackhat SEO may seem a quick way to boost your site's visibility, it's a dangerous game to play. It's more advisable to concentrate whitehat SEO strategies, that improve your website through legal means, thus providing sustainable success.

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