Search engine optimization professionals have probably heard of the term known as blackhat SEO. Blackhat SEO entails a collection of strategies deployed to increase a website's or page's ranking in search engine rankings, but by means that violate the search engines' terms of service.
Essentially, blackhat SEO is a shortcut that may get your site to the forefront of search results quickly. However, these strategies are usually seen as manipulative, and search engines like Google can heavily penalize sites found using them.
One common blackhat technique is excessive keyword usage. This means packing a webpage with keywords or numbers with the intent of manipulating a site's ranking in Google search results. They might appear in a list, cluster, out of context or in a hidden div.
Link farming is another common method. Here, sites are linked together in a circular network to improve the rank of all the sites in the network. However, if a website is linked to from numerous unrelated here websites, it could also be penalized.
Cloaking is an especially deceptive blackhat method. It refers to different content is presented to search engines than to users, basically redirecting users to different pages apart from their consent.
Despite the potential penalties, why do people use blackhat SEO? The simple answer is: for instant success. These techniques give websites the appearance of authority, boosting them up the search results quickly.
However, the advantage is fleeting. Search engines now incorporate sophisticated algorithms that identify these deceptive techniques. Once they're identified, penalties may include decreased rankings or even being deleted entirely from the search index.
As a result, many websites are moving towards white hat SEO strategies. These are techniques that aim to build a website's prominence in legitimate ways. Some methods are creating relevant content that provides useful information to the reader, optimizing website tags, or creating a positive user experience.
In conclusion, while blackhat SEO may seem a fast way to boost your site's visibility, it's a perilous game to play. It's wiser to direct attention on whitehat SEO methods, that improve your website through appropriate means, consequently providing sustainable success.