SEO Wars IV: - A New Hope
Despite the proliferation of Black Hat techniques in the SEO community, there is a shining beacon, a last bastion of hope in which we can all take refuge… Search engines hate Black Hat.
The algorithms of the search engines are ever-evolving with the aim of making the most user-friendly experience possible. By extension they also become better and better at squashing Black Hat optimisation. This means banning unethical Black Hat websites from search listings, as well as making it harder for them to get listed in the first place.
Search Engines: Evolving To Perfection
The search engines aren’t as easy to fool as most Back Hatters seem to think, and while it may take them time to bring retribution to ‘dark side’ websites, they always do. In addition, they’re always getting better at handing out swifter justice.
The engineers working for the popular search engines are amongst the best and brightest men and women in their respective fields. Everyday they’re turning their vast and notable abilities to the task of streamlining searches and creating the best search experience possible. More often than not, this goal is in direct contradiction to the practices of Black Hat SEO.
With the resources, experience and skills base available to the big search engines, it is inevitable that they will come out on top in such a conflict.
SEO Needs Search Engines
Also, take into consideration that Black Hat SEO is still SEO. Read that again- Search engine optimisation. Emphasis on ‘search engine’. As much as the Black Hatters might feel special and somewhat clever waging their little war on the search engines, the truth is, they need them as much as the rest of us.
Launching a Black Hat driven campaign is tantamount to shooting yourself in the foot…..Lots.
Whats The Upside For White Hat SEO?
Well, to put it bluntly; More business, better reputation and consistency.
As the search engines get better and better at refining their search criteria (as they have been for the last ten years) Black Hat SEO will become gradually more and more difficult to successfully implement.
The harder and more expensive it becomes to employ Black Hat SEO, the less of an attractive option it will be to those looking for quick and easy, ‘cheated’ results, so fewer people will use turn to Black Hat. The end result of this will be a greater number of quality SEO websites.
User-friendly and human-focused SEO websites will inevitably improve the reputation of the SEO industry, casting off the dark shadow of doubt that Black Hat has caused to settle on us all.
