How can do I report a multiple set of duplicated websites design to manipulate SERPs?
-
Ok, so within one of my client's sectors it has become clear that someone is trying to manipulate the SERPs by registering tons of domains that are all keyword targeted.
All of the websites are simply duplications of one another and are merely setup to dominate the SERP listings - which, at the moment, it is beginning to do.
None of the sites have any real authority (in some cases 1 PA and DA) and yet they're ranking above much more established websites. The only back links they have are from dodgy-looking forum ones. It's all a bit crazy and it shouldn't be happening.
Anyway, all of the domains have been registered by the same person and within a two-month time period of each other.
What do you guys think is the best step to take to report these particular websites to Google?
-
Hey Sha,
Thanks for that.
It would seem that would be the best bet.
-
Hi Matthew,
As Mark suggested, create a spreadsheet in Google Drive and list all of the domains/URLs in the spreadsheet.
Add a single URL in the first field of the Spam Report form (the required field), then in the third field, provide a link to the spreadsheet (300 character max)
Something like: "I believe the sites listed in the googledoc at URL are using manipulative linking practices to influence search engine rankings"
Do be confident though, as Mark warned, that your client's site is able to withstand any scrutiny that might come with a review of sites in the niche.
Hope that helps,
Sha
-
Sorry, I don't quite follow. How would this work?
-
I would try creating an open Google doc, and then listing all of the sites in the network. Kind of like the reconsideration request method, where you link to an open Google doc with all of the details of the webmasters you contacted, responses, success rate, etc
-
Hey Mark,
Thanks for your response.
I'm aware of that link but it only allows you to submit one link at a time. In this case, there are tons of domains that I'd have to submit. So, is there anyway to submit multiple sites?
-
Hi Matthew,
Google has a specific form for reporting webspam - you can find the spam report here - https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/spamreportform?hl=en
Before you submit a competitor, make sure your own site/s are clean - don't want them looking to closely into your SERPs and your sector and finding a problem with you as well.
Mark
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
-
My Website is getting too many DMCA Hits
My Website has been getting too many DMCA Hits since last december then my rankings dropped i would like to know if getting a new domain would be advisable ... and would it be good to redirect my website that is getting DMCA hits to the new domain i want to get it is advisable to build links for it the new domain or would it pass link juice to it (it has some spammy links tho)
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | emmycircle0 -
What is the best strategy for dissolving an innocently created link network with over 100 websites?
Hello Moz Community, Over many years 120 websites were created all under a couple different organizations around the globe. The sites are interconnected via anchor text and domain name links and some redirect to larger sites. The teachings have a central theme and many tools, training programs, events, locations and services are offered on many different websites. Attached is a slice of a Majestic Link Graph showing the network. God bless Majestic for this new tool! We are looking for solutions that are efficient and effective in regards to usability, rankings and being achievable. Thank you so much for your help! Donna EJhNPqT
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | Awakening-Mind0 -
Duplicate Content does effect
Hey there, I am Doing SEO For one of my client For mortgage Company. As i have Checked in Other mortgage sites, they used to have Same Content/Details, In all Websites, & my client site have also Some of them, So my Question is as per Google If there Duplicate Content, it will be Got penalize, But as i see Ranking & traffic For competitor site, They have Duplication, then also Rank For 1st page,. what is Reason behind? so i also Implement/Execute our site With that same content?? or i'll Got penalize?? Thnx in advance
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | iepl20010 -
Our site has too many backlinks! How can we do a bad backlink audit?
Webmaster Tools is saying we have close to 24 million links to our site. The site has been around since the mid 90s and has accumulated all these links since. We also have our own network of sites that have links in their templates to our main site. I'm fighting to get these links "nofollow"'d but upper management seems scared to alter this practice. This past year we've found our rankings have dropped significantly and suspect it's due to some spammy backlinks or being penalized for doing an accidental link scheme network. 24 million links is too many to check manually for using the disavow tool and it seems that bulk services out there to check backlinks can't even come close. What's an SEO to do?
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | seoninjaz0 -
When clients slap 3rd party benners on their website...
Ciao from Latitude 53.92705600 Longitude -1.38481600 Ive got a naughty cluster of clients who are slapping third banner ads on their home pages for reasons that only marketing executives understand. So here i am on the SEO side Ive added _balnks and no do follows on the rogue banners but i'm looking for a plausible argument to sh@t a client up into not doing this. So my question is please:
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | Nightwing
"What is the number 1 reason why a client should not place third party banners pointing too non relevant sites (eg a web site focused on furniture placing a bed fred banner on their home page)" Let the games begin!
Ciao,
David0 -
Should I report this to Google and will anything happen ?
Hi, I am working with a client and have discovered that a direct competitor has hidden the clients business name in meta information and also hidden the name on the page but off to the side. My intention is to ask the company to remove the content, but the client would like me to report it to Google. Is this a waste of time and what request in webmaster tools should I use. The name is not a trademark but the business name is not generic and it is an obvious attempt to target my clients business. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks in advance
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | Mozzi0 -
XML feeds in regards to Duplicate Content
Hi everyone I hope you can help. I run a property portal in Spain and am looking for an answer to an issue we are having. We are in the process of uploading an XML feed to our site which contains 10,000+ properties relating to our niche. Although this is great for our customers I am aware this content is going to be duplicated from other sites as our clients advertise over a range of portals. My question is, are there any measures I can take to safeguard our site from penalisation from Google? Manually writing up 10,000 + descriptions for properties is out of the question sadly. I really hope somebody can help Thanks Steve
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | buysellrentspain0 -
Duplicate content showing on local pages
I have several pages which are showing duplicate content on my site for web design. As its a very competitive market I had create some local pages so I rank high if someone is searching locally i.e web design birmingham, web design tamworth etc.. http://www.cocoonfxmedia.co.uk/web-design.html http://www.cocoonfxmedia.co.uk/web-design-tamworth.html http://www.cocoonfxmedia.co.uk/web-design-lichfield.html I am trying to work out what is the best way reduce the duplicate content. What would be the best way to remove the duplicate content? 1. 301 redirect (will I lose the existing page) to my main web design page with the geographic areas mentioned. 2. Re write the wording on each page and make it unique? Any assistance is much appreciated.
White Hat / Black Hat SEO | | Cocoonfxmedia0