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Alternatives to PBNs for SEO

by Iggy111
10 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hi All,

I'm new to IM and I've been looking at different ways to get started. I've been researching a lot in the past few weeks and local SEO keeps coming up as something I have a strong interest in.

It looks like building back links to the main site you are trying to rank is one of the strategies and it seems like through PBNs a lot of people are abusing it. It looks like a black hat/grey hat strategy that I don't want to employ. What are white hat alternatives to it?

Does avoiding using PBNs and using only white hat techniques delay the ranking of the site by a lot? I'm looking to buy a course from someone who seems well respected, but employs the PBN technique and that makes me hesitant about buying it.

Any light that can be shed on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
#alternatives #pbns #seo
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Iggy111 View Post

    Hi All,

    I'm new to IM and I've been looking at different ways to get started. I've been researching a lot in the past few weeks and local SEO keeps coming up as something I have a strong interest in.

    It looks like building back links to the main site you are trying to rank is one of the strategies and it seems like through PBNs a lot of people are abusing it. It looks like a black hat/grey hat strategy that I don't want to employ. What are white hat alternatives to it?

    Does avoiding using PBNs and using only white hat techniques delay the ranking of the site by a lot? I'm looking to buy a course from someone who seems well respected, but employs the PBN technique and that makes me hesitant about buying it.

    Any light that can be shed on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks

    I don't think you understand the possibilities with private link networks. Sure most folks on SEO forums are building PBNs & trying to hide the domains but that's the webmasters call. Link networks can be 100% legit sites.

    Look at authority sites on the net, most have a legit network of domains helping to rank each domains pages, they all aim to generate traffic. That's the way long term sites build networks.

    Example, look at the footer on hxxp://www.discovery.com
















    My advice is also aim for roughly 50% organic traffic where traffic is building backlinks (link bait, etc...) that way you build a safety net where you're not 100% dependant on one link/traffic type (ex: SEO). Look at how offline retail advertises, they target multiple traffic sources (TV ads, Newspaper ads, Radio ads, Direct Mail ads, etc...). My point is look at the BIG picture for long term traffic.

    A private network can be scaled up or down as needed, it's entirely up to the webmaster.
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  • Profile picture of the author Iggy111
    Thank you for your response. SEO and all the terminology is quite blurry as up until 2 weeks ago I only knew what SEO meant, but really nothing more. I've made it a habit to spend a few hours a day on the net and forums to get more familiar with it before I buy a course.

    Are all PBNs bad? I've read about the strategy to buy an expired high ranked site through an auction and then change the content of it and link it to the site you are trying to rank. In what way is this bad?

    Also, since SEOs can link to any site they want, why don't they just link to reputable sites such as city, gov, edu, etc. and get the benefits of the higher ranking?

    Would you recommend a source where I can learn more about this without paying? I will invest in a course and I have one in mind, but want to get some clarity first.

    Sorry if the questions seem basic or out of place, I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around this concept.

    Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author DABK
      Like Yukon said, not all PBN's are bad... it depends how and why they're built. Build yourself a business that uses PBN's don't build PBN's to rank a site. Look at the Discovery example Yukon gave you... or at Amazon.com, etc.

      You rank higher when reputable sites link to you not when you link to them...


      Originally Posted by Iggy111 View Post

      Thank you for your response. SEO and all the terminology is quite blurry as up until 2 weeks ago I only knew what SEO meant, but really nothing more. I've made it a habit to spend a few hours a day on the net and forums to get more familiar with it before I buy a course.

      Are all PBNs bad? I've read about the strategy to buy an expired high ranked site through an auction and then change the content of it and link it to the site you are trying to rank. In what way is this bad?

      Also, since SEOs can link to any site they want, why don't they just link to reputable sites such as city, gov, edu, etc. and get the benefits of the higher ranking?

      Would you recommend a source where I can learn more about this without paying? I will invest in a course and I have one in mind, but want to get some clarity first.

      Sorry if the questions seem basic or out of place, I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around this concept.

      Thanks
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      • Profile picture of the author GeckoTribe
        I'd think the best alternative would be to have a network of people with active blogs who link to each other organically...which is why I created this (which is free): Critical Mass Blogging Teams | Gecko Tribe Nexus.

        It's been neglected for a while, since I've been busy with other things, but I'm just starting to push it again, so I'm hoping it'll pick up steam. If it does, I think it'll be pretty powerful for anyone who's actively involved.
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        Antone Roundy

        Want up to 57 bloggers to support your blog? Join a Team (free).

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      • Profile picture of the author Iggy111
        DABK thank you for clarifying. After digging around I started to figure that not all PBNs are bad. I will buy and build these sites without the spammy element that some PBNs have. Those will all be legit sites with social signals, blogs, etc.

        What I intend to do is buy the course I was thinking about and learn how to rank, use PBNs etc. Then before I start venturing into client SEO and affiliate, I will rank my real estate sites just to test and apply the knowledge. A question: if I build PBNs around real estate, can I use those links for later work on client sites in other industries (dental, roofing, etc.)?

        Also, just to clarify: SEOs are not in competition with Google, right? Initially I thought SEOs compete with Google, but it seems like they actually help Google in its primary task to help users find what they need in a fast and efficient way. Is this correct?

        Tomek, yes you are right, I will buy a course and see how all SEO tactics work.
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  • Profile picture of the author santhoshr123
    Sure you can learn through youtube or udemy education channels for free
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  • Profile picture of the author Tomek Kurpanik
    Iggy:

    If you're serious about SEO, then a course where black/grey hat techniques are explained won't hurt to know imo.
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  • Profile picture of the author TotalWebsiteControl
    PBNs are great for seo. Talk about getting some fast results lol. I remember when buildmyrank was active. I used them a lot. Then one day everything stopped and i was sad I decided to start my own private blog network and so far everything is going great
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  • Profile picture of the author sreejanniyogi
    PBNs are great but a bit complex. If you are ready to invest the time and money - then go for it. Its worth the effort.
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    • Profile picture of the author Iggy111
      What would building a PBN for a money site in a moderately competitive niche cost?
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