Bad Links That Can Get You Penalized by Google
Link building is essential for SEO. Yet, today’s advanced algorithms have become very good at spotting bad links from unreputable sources. At iBoost, we provide premium web development, digital marketing and SEO services for businesses of all sizes. Our experienced professionals enjoy helping our clients grow their online reach and increase online sales, and we want you to have the same great results. Are you frustrated because you have been downgraded by the Google algorithm? Then poor links may be to blame. Here are some of the most common links that can cause Google and other popular search engines to penalize your website.
Discussion Forums
While some reputable discussion forums can still be utilized for building good links, it is important to stay far away from spammy sites. If they don’t have enough relevant content, and the site has been created for the sole purpose of link building, Google will know and your site may be penalized for it.
Press Release Links
While press releases are designed to be used by businesses and individuals to make announcements to reporters and news editors, many marketing professionals use them to build links. Since anyone can publish a press release, it was easy to embed a link within the page, while having it seem legitimate. However, this tactic was used very often, and now Google considers such links to be a scheme.
Foreign Guestbooks
Many people use foreign guestbooks as a place to input automatically generated links to websites. While one or two links from foreign guestbook may not break your site, it can look suspicious. If there is any doubt, then it is best to avoid it all together.
Private Blog Networks
Private Blog Networks, also known as PBNs, were a favorite for generating links. Google has now adapted and can detect the majority of PBNs, so try to avoid using this outdated technique.
Directory Submission Services
There are plenty of legitimate business directories available online. Linking to these sites can improve your search engine optimization. Yet, thousands of directories have been created to house nothing but links. These sites are often used by low cost “link building” service providers with the promise of boosting your search ranking, but this is misleading. Google will instantly recognize a fake directory submission and will be more likely to target your URL. Take the time to submit your links to proven, popular directories like Google My Business, Bing Places, Yahoo Local, Yelp, Foursquare or the Yellow Pages.
Do You Need Help Building Quality Links for Your Website? Contact the Team at iBoost
Are you looking for ways to build favorable links? Do you need help improving your SEO or want to get better results from your advertising campaigns? Then get the help you need today by contacting the experts at iBoost. Our team of SEO, digital marketing and web design specialists are ready to help you reach your goals. Contact our office today for more information about our wide variety of services.
