When good domain names go bad
-
We have created a website to distribute a niche product. About a year ago, another vendor decided to drop the product and did not renew their domain name. We tried to acquire the domain name, but a cyber squatter picked it up. The old domain name had a few decent back links, and there was probably some value to us with a 301, but the cyber squatter was asking $8,000 and we didn't even bother countering such an absurd figure.
The old domain continued to rank reasonably well for one or our search terms, even though it was just one page of spammy links. Well, this week it appears that Google Panda may have finally killed it off. Which brings me to a couple of questions.
1. In addition to a simple Google search, is there a way to determine if Google has killed a domain?
2. Assuming that Google has indeed killed the domain, is there any value in trying to 301 the domain should it ever be released?
Best,
Christopher -
Your 1st question:
Go to www.google.com and type in the domain name, with and without the "www." For example, search for "www.domain.com" and then search for "domain.com" (without using quotes around the domain name). If the domain shows up in the search results then it is not banned in Google.
To investigate a domain further at Google, see what Google returns when you perform a site: search at Google. For example, if you go to Google and search for "site:www.domain.com" and then "site:domain.com" and Google comes back with "Your search - site:www.domain.com - did not match any documents," the site most likely is banned at Google.
Your 2nd question:
Was best answered below. Do not associate with any sites that have been determine to be spam, been penalized or even banned from Google.
-
I don't know about your first question, but if Google does penalize/blacklist a domain, it will likely be toxic for a long time afterward. In my opinion, there isn't any value to associating yourself with a domain determined to be spam. It seems risky.
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
-
domains that harming my ranking
how can i know domains harming my ranking I ’ve seen a drop in rankings, Domain Authority , so I need to know sites who is linking to my domains that cause this decline.. i can use Open Site Explorer but i need to know the site that harm my ranking .. thanks
Link Building | | Alukah.Network0 -
DISAVOW domains by error
Dear all, On jun 20 I have uploaded a disavow file including some domains by error (good links), my question is could I remove from the Disavow file these domains and update it again, so Google will take the removed domains again as good links? Thank you
Link Building | | SharewarePros0 -
When writing content, is it good to reference wikipedia for some definitions?
Example...we write a unique article about the materials used in our products, giving a more in depth insight into the types of metals and minerals used in the products. Such articles are aimed at a small number of customers that ask more detailed questions about some of our material. In explaining some of these materials, we reference, and credit for, classifications used from the definitions given in wikipedia. The rest of article is ours and unique. Is getting these links from an authority such as wikipedia a good idea? Thank you.
Link Building | | onwardsandupwards1 -
Why do the results in SEOmoz and OSE for Linking Root Domains differ?
In SEOmoz, in a campaign we set up, it shows 600+ Linking Root Domains, but in OSE it shows 300+ Linking Root Domains- quite a difference. Any help gratefully received. Thanks.
Link Building | | ThinkingJuice0 -
Ranking going down slowly please help
Hi I got a domain http://www.childrensfunkyfurniture.com/ and my main keyword is childrens beds. Use to be on first page for the last six years now drop to page 2, I am struggling to find the cause. Would appreciate if anyone could look into the website and provide some information. Many Thanks
Link Building | | conversiontactics0 -
Good/Bad Backlinks - Penalties
Just a quick question from someone that is extremely new to this: If "G" penalizes sites for bad backlinks (low quality, spammy) then why are people not building these types of links towards the competitors that are currently outranking them? Or are they? and if they are, is it beneficial? (are your competitors dropping in rankings?) Seems like a fair question.... Any insight is appreciated
Link Building | | Prime850 -
Is this directory good or spamy?
I was using open site explorer and one of our local competitors and in the top 5 of the SERP has a link in http://directory.askbee.net/submit-site-to-directory.html They want either a $1, $5 or a 3 way link to get your link in the directory. Do any of these help or would this directory be a waste of time. Thanks
Link Building | | mmaes0 -
Any good content sites with good quality links?
I have some content which is still relevant and interesting but not really suitable for my current websites. I have been thinking of using this on an article site to generate some links back to my sites, but I am wary about this due to Google's targeting of content sites. I currently have good PR's on Squidoo and Hubpages which link back and work quite well. Can anyone suggest any others or any ideas how to use this content for SEO purposes? Is using it for article submissions to get links short sited?
Link Building | | JohnW-UK0