Myths About Black Hat SEO - Explained

SEO is hard.

More specifically, SEO is hard for those affected by algorithm updates. If you’re stuck in a cat-and-mouse dance around the best strategies for building links or content marketing… it’s frustrating. No wonder there’s an increase in the “SEO is dead” rumor.

Even white hat SEO strategies can be struck down by the next algorithm change, which means that internet marketers and SEO specialists (who aren’t throwing in the towel) are questioning their current strategies and guidelines.

This means that there are even more myths circulating about black hat SEO.

“Black Hat SEO is used by spammers and scammers.”

This is kind of true, but it implies that black hat SEO is used exclusively for spam or scams. On the contrary, many ethical and honest SEO specialists will implement black hat strategies for a credible business.

“If you don’t strictly follow white hat SEO guidelines, then you’re following black hat SEO.”

It’s not as simple as black vs. white.

Many specialists actually combine various elements from the opposing viewpoints to provide silver (or grey) hat SEO. The point is simple: no 2 service providers will provide identical services. Instead, services are based on personal experience of what works.

“Black Hat SEO doesn’t work.”

If that were true, it wouldn’t still exist. Would it?

The truth about SEO…

In a nutshell, you can say that:

• Black Hat SEO is focused on obtaining the highest possible placement in search engine results, as quickly as possible. It’s short-sighted, but the goal may be worth the risk.
• White Hat SEO is focused on obtaining the highest possible placement in search engine results, and keeping it. It takes much longer to accomplish, but the goal is worth the wait.
• Silver/Grey Hat SEO is focused on obtaining a sustainable placement in search engine results (like a white hat) but producing faster results by borrowing some of the lower-risk shortcuts.

What you need to know…

It’s easy to judge something you don’t understand, but that doesn’t mean you should. In the end, go with the perspective that fits your goals, but be aware of the risks involved.

If you want results now… you’ll achieve this goal with the right method of black or silver hat strategies. Just be aware that aggressive results require cutting corners, and in the end, it may backfire against you. Is it worth that risk?

On the other hand, if you care about your brand and want to win customers over through engaging content, this just won’t happen with a black or silver hat. Sustainable SEO requires larger investments, and it takes longer before you’ll see any measurable results.

It all boils down to one thing. SEO is a marketing strategy. Obviously the goal is the same (to be found in the search engines.) However, the means of achieving that goal depend on how you approach your business. If you’re doing what you love, it’s easier to wait. Yet those who are testing a new business concept or are basically “in-it-for-the-money” are less likely to be patient for a return on investment, or to invest more for quality services.

(Ironically, the lack of quality may result in an automatic failure…)