What is Black Hat SEO?

I get this question a lot.  Anyone that spends a lot of time working on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will eventually come across the term "Black Hat". If you guessed that Black Hat means doing something secret and/or sneaky, then you are just about right. Black Hat techniques usually involve spamming and taking advantage of holes in online software. For example, websites that allow comments are always a target for the Black Hat folks. Black Hatters use automated software that sends thousands and sometimes millions of automatically generated comments to blogs and other types of sites. These "comments" usually just contain a link to a website that promotes a product.

Is using Black Hat techniques illegal? Usually it is not illegal activity but Black Hat SEO is done with the knowledge that the practice could get your sites banned from the search engines permanently. Black Hatters also run the risk of getting booted by their web hosts and even their ISP. Basically Black Hatters take higher risks in an effort to drive large amounts of traffic to their money sites.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have the White Hatters. These folks follow the rules and avoid any unethical or risky practices. They build their empires slowly and methodically.

Does Black Hat SEO work? Sure it does or nobody would do it. Does Black Hat SEO have lasting results — No. Sure, Black Hatters may be able to drive a ton of traffic to a page, but those links won't stick for long and the traffic will stop. White Hatters slowly build links and those links stick (stay around permanently) so the effects are cumulative.

Should you try Black Hat techniques? Well, if you are new to SEO, you should steer clear of any Black Hat techniques. If you jump right into the Black Hat pool you will surely get your sites banned and cause more headaches for yourself. If you are experienced at White Hat SEO and you are determined to try out Black Hat techniques, my advice would be to proceed with caution.

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