The Dark Side of SEO - Detecting Black Hat Marketing Techniques - page 3

by David Nicolosi, 6/26/2006

Pop-Unders

Pop-unders are usually a technique applied by traffic service websites that guarantee you'll receive X number of visitors form their service. With pop-unders, a window loads a web page behind the page you are currently surfing (think of it as a reverse pop-up). When a user clicks away (closes) the current website, you're site is displayed behind it. Although not necessarily Black Hat Marketing, pop-unders are not the most effective way to gain traffic. Your site may garner a negative impression by users as they'll associate it with the pop-under. Most users do not appreciate or welcome schemes that direct them to a site other than the one they specifically targeted. That's why web browsers come with built-in pop-up blockers. In general, if something seems hokey to you it will seem hokey to your users.

Spam

The ultimate in Black Hat Marketing... SPAM! There really isn't much to say about this that hasn't already been said. Simple rule, Don't spam! Don't spam search engines, don't send out email spam, don't spam forums, and don't spam user blogs! Once labeled as a spammer, you risk taking a serious blow to your reputation, not to mention any legal issues that can peruse. Be very wary of any SEO expert that offer website promotion through blast emails. Ensure that any email going out with your web url are being targeted towards users with a general interest in what you have to offer and that it's not unsolicited email.

Once you know what SEO techniques you should avoid, finding a quality SEO expert will be much easier. Any company or person who claims to be an SEO expert will avoid applying any of the fore mentioned techniques. For every right way of doing SEO, there's at least one wrong way. Stay focused on what's important and conduct your business practices in an honest and ethical manner and you'll soon find your website taking a turn for the better.

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About the author

David is a Senior Programming consultant and SEO expert with over 10 years experience in the IT industry. David currently owns several successful websites, including Free Links Direct, a free SEO service that provides one-way links and quality SEO articles and tips.

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