A recent article in The New York Times, The Dirty Little Secrets of Search, by David Segal exposes the backhanded tactics some SEO firms utilize to improve their clients' search engine rankings.
Segal investigated the unusually high rankings by J.C. Penney the last several months for a broad range of keywords. Through the help of a search expert, The Times uncovered the use of paid links scattered across the web, on mostly obscure, unrelated websites. These paid links pointed to the jcpenney.com site. This technique is considered a no-no in Google's SEO rulebook, and is part of practice known as "black-hat" optimization.
Segal explains black-hat services "are not illegal, but trafficking in them risks the wrath of Google. The company draws a pretty thick line between techniques it considers deceptive and "white hat" approaches, which are offered by hundreds of consulting firms and are legitimate ways to increase a site's visibility."
Turns out J.C. Penney issued a statement saying it was not involved with or aware of the paid links, but shortly thereafter fired its search engine consulting firm.
Upon notification, and after investigating the findings, Google has adjusted J.C. Penney's ranking for a variety of keywords. In one case, in a span of two hours J.C. Penney dropped from the number one search result for "Samsonite carry on luggage" to a dismal number 71.
J.C. Penney's story is fair warning for small businesses to ensure their hired SEO help only employs white hat optimization techniques.
Source http://www.businessinsider.com/
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteSuperb ideas This actually is one of the most beneficial web sites I’ve ever read on this subject.
SEO Services focused on generating natural links and can work hand in hand with other methods of diverting traffic to your website.
Search Engine Optimization India
ReplyDeleteHello,
we provide affordable and result-oriented SEO services, please give a chance to serve you.
Thanks
Admin: E07.net
I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. best internet marketing services Eugene
ReplyDeleteHello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers! https://www.seoexpertindelhi.in
ReplyDelete