Bummed...someone is building bad backlinks to a new site

by SJstar
13 replies
  • SEO
  • |
I don't know if I should just move on, or if I should keep going with a new site I'm working on. The good news is the domain is 2 years old (I just let it sit since I purchased it), but since I've started working on the site recently, less than 20 articles up, someone is already trying to take me out.

Right now there are 3 domains showing with backlinks I did not build. One of them is pretty sketchy, it's a sight about breast implants and my niche is completely unrelated. I'm pretty sure it's a competitor because he/she is copying my site's structure, but I have no way to prove it. So, what would you guys do in this situation?
#backlinks #bad #building #bummedsomeone #site
  • Profile picture of the author qw3rty
    Originally Posted by SJstar View Post

    I don't know if I should just move on, or if I should keep going with a new site I'm working on. The good news is the domain is 2 years old (I just let it sit since I purchased it), but since I've started working on the site recently, less than 20 articles up, someone is already trying to take me out.

    Right now there are 3 domains showing with backlinks I did not build. One of them is pretty sketchy, it's a sight about breast implants and my niche is completely unrelated. I'm pretty sure it's a competitor because he/she is copying my site's structure, but I have no way to prove it. So, what would you guys do in this situation?
    Google webmaster tools has a new tool called "Disavow links" where you can report links that you feel are being used for negative SEO"

    http://searchenginewatch.com/article...k-Disavow-Tool
    http://searchenginewatch.com/article...-Now-Available
    Remove a page or site from Google's search results - Webmaster Tools Help
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  • Profile picture of the author SJstar
    Thanks! I just saw this too. Thing is I just added my site to webmaster tools not too long ago, so it's going to take some time for those links to show up there, but I'm seeing them in MajesticSEO.

    I'm just really bummed and wondering if I should just continue with this domain. I've never had this happen before, so I have no idea what to do. Something is telling me to just wait and see, but I don't know.
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  • Profile picture of the author qw3rty
    Well, definitely continue to drive on and don't let that discourage you. The links your getting to your site won't necessarily mess your site up, could help too. Check the anchor text of the links back to your site. If they are using your EXACT keywords that for sure is a sign of neg SEO.

    You could always do a whois and start complaining to them directly or to their domain and hosting providers if you feel it's being done maliciously.
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  • Profile picture of the author SJstar
    Thanks for the advice and vote of confidence, I needed that. Yea, the anchor text for two of the links is my URL. The anchor text for 3rd link is breast enhancement and coming from a breast enhancement website, which is totally unrelated to my site, so I'd say that is pretty malicious.
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    • Profile picture of the author paulgl
      You people are all wet. It's not bad things linking to you.
      It's YOU linking to and being part of bad things.

      A normal site will get what is perceived to be "links" from
      a plethora of sites. Those links do not really exist nor matter
      in the real world. This idea comes form people not knowing how
      the internet works. It's all related.

      I think most webmasters would be shocked at the links they have
      from sites with a .ru at the end. But they're not really backlinks.

      The disavow tool is useless. Complete waste of time. But, if
      it makes you feel better...go for it. That's what it's for. To
      make webamsters feel better. Takes the pressure off of google.
      Brilliant idea, I might add.

      Domain age makes no difference.

      And breast implant sites have no PR, no authority? You people mix
      up adsense TOS and the general web. Every plastic
      surgeon with a website would be shaking in their boots. Porn?
      Like you can't find porn online in google serps? Playboy PR 6.
      livejasmin PR 6. Both buying adwords, BTW.

      Paul
      Signature

      If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

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  • Profile picture of the author squadron
    Buy $100 worth of Fiverr gigs to your competitors home page with the anchor text FREE VIAGRA FORMULA or CHEAP CROCS - BUY ONLINE

    It may not make any difference, but you may feel better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Backlinko
    I wouldn't use the disavow tool just yet.

    Your site is showing three links you don't recognize? Looks like your competitor doesn't know what he's doing.

    Just build quality links and carry on...3 links aren't gonna hurt you.
    Signature
    Find Awesome Keywords...Without ANY Tools
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  • Profile picture of the author Wesley Atkins
    I wouldn't worry about it just yet, 3 slightly shady links does not necessarily mean you have someone trying to do negative SEO on your site.

    I would not use the Disavow tool unless you absolutely need to.

    If you lose a top ranking, then start scrutinising your backlink profile, but it's still early days.
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  • Profile picture of the author James_Watkins
    The Disavow tool is a great tool to use if the negative seo carries on but a few links won't hurt your site to much, just make sure to keep a eye on your sites activity
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  • Profile picture of the author SJstar
    Thanks everyone for your input. I'm going to continue with my SEO plans and go on from there.
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