Concerned about quality of backlinks - should I take action?
-
I regularly work on websites to which previous SEOs have built questionable backlinks.
This morning I've just been analysing some backlinks - found 40 odd were coming from 20 odd websites which all had the same gentleman as personal registrant, who happens to be the boss of an SEO company.
The SEO company name is mentioned in registrant details too, and often on the websites in question (including weblinks from some of these 20 odd websites to the SEO company). I did note the IP addresses / hosting for these websites did vary though, as did the postal address of the individual in question, perhaps throwing Google off the scent a bit.
I should add that these websites are virtually all tourism related/themed, with up to a few dozen backlinks per page - usually articles. It's very clear they are backlinking to keyphrases.
Now, this kinda thing<a></a> sets the alarm bells ringing. Firstly, this looks like an infringement of Google Webmaster Guidelines. Secondly, it doesn't sound like a White Hat technique for building links! Am I correct?
I guess it might be denied they are partner pages due to the quality of content, perhaps, which isn't as spammy as it might've been. However, I suggest these are at least paid links because there is no other clear way of getting content on these pages, as far as I can see.<a></a><a></a>
Should I demand these backlinks are taken down? What level of risk is posed do you think? I don't want this website to suffer a Google penalty at some point, particularly not after I've started work on it.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.
-
Thanks for reply John - appreciated. Pretty infuriating isn't it, huh. To be honest, I think the SEO industry needs a minimum standard, a code of conduct that's policed in some way. There really is so much awful stuff being carried out in the name of SEO. From what I've seen, the SEO agencies I've come across do it (1) Because it's easy (2) Because they can show their clients quick results.
-
Thanks Robert - moving on with a positive focus is good advice. That said, I really have little idea how dangerous the kind of linkbuilding I've described really is. What level of risk my client has been exposed to. Hope Google doesn't hit them on those backlinks, that's for sure.
-
I have the same situation going on with one of my clients. Except their competition is doing the same exact thing to a larger extent and is ranking well for all the keywords which they have tried for. I just moved on and started to build high quantity back links. I don't understand why these SEO companies feel the need to do this kind of spammy link building. I have had the fear that there will be an Google update targeted towards spammy linking.... Meanwhile all we can do is do what Robert said and ask them to remove the links.
-
Luke,
You could send out demands for removal, etc. but I doubt they would get too far. I think the easier thing to do would be to move forward from where you are. First, most are not going to remove them and second, there are likely better places to spend your time (more SEO valuable). If you want to cover your client's butt in the event of a Google interdiction, send out some emails requesting the links be taken down, keep copies, and start building new links. At least you will have something to show them if there is a problem.
I have often run into this with clients and at first panicked. Today, I just move forward. Focus on the bigger issues:
Does the site have good content or is it spammy?
Is the SEO on page/site, etc. solid?
Are they targeting the right keywords?
Did I mention Content?
Are there ads everywhere?
Do you need a freshen up campaign? etc. etc. etc.
I think if you focus on those things and, if still nervous, send out the emails, you will likely be fine. If all else is solid and the site is quality, go get them some good links as I don't think Google is going to kill you over the links alone.
Best of luck.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
What qualities to look for when trying to find sites to get backlinks from?
When trying to build backlinks, of course some sites are much harder to get links on than others. I am trying to figure out which sites my time and effort is best spent trying to get a link on. I may view a site as important and high quality but Google may not. Which tools and metrics within MOZ should I look at to determine if a site is worth the effort to get a backlink from? I'm sure "Domain Authority" is a factor. Which number makes it definitely worth pursuing?
Link Building | | Bperry129
Does inbound links and spam score count for anything? Which metric is best to look at to figure out the most powerful backlink I can get?0 -
Outreach for backlinks
What are some of the best ways to reach out for back links? The goal is to get a link from their website to our root or an anchored text but what are some techniques and options to consider to make it beneficial for both parties?
Link Building | | Cfarcher0 -
Backlink Report Totals Discrepancy
I have been having a tough time getting my customer backlinks developed. However; I noticed when I run a backlink report for http://www.mycustomer.com, www.mycustomer.com and customer.com that I get three different backlink totals. Is there any way to forward to of the above URL's to one or am I doing something wrong when I am developing the backlinks?
Link Building | | InfinityTechnologySolutions0 -
Which tools/techniques do you use for backlink indexation?
Hello All, I was wondering if you have a list of sites, tools or best practices in order to get your new backlinks indexed sooner by Google. Thanks a lot in advance! Luis
Link Building | | Yeeply.com0 -
Which page should my backlink lead to?
I used Keyword A for Page A, and Keyword B for Page B. Now Page B ranks on the first page in Keyword A. When I create backlinkS with Keyword A, should I link to Page A or Page B?
Link Building | | joony20080 -
What are the Low quality link?..Any one explain
Hi All, How you find out that how many links are low quality what are the area of consideration for finding the low quality link. I have checked the Google webmasters for list of all site links. and finding out that few link have not found or have no PR, links from irrelevant theme. Please tell me more about the low quality links. Is disavow link helpful for removing those links from the website also? Thanks
Link Building | | lucidsoftech0 -
Backlinks from SEOMOZ
Hi all It seems Google has stepped up the "hunt" for overly SEOed websites. What about having backlinks from SEOMOZ, would that signal to Google that you are involved in SEO and therefor it might hurt your site? Anyone? Thanks in advance Fredrik Ardmar
Link Building | | Resultify0 -
What is the best way to manage backlinks?
What back link management software do you guys use or recommend? Need to manage types of links on each page. Thanks
Link Building | | joemas990