Now this subject, Search engine optimization ethics, is one that has become such a hot topic of conversation and opposing viewpoints that some people have actually lost sight of what is really important here folks! Let me rant here for a bit.
The main things to remember are these:
#1 Rules are there for a VERY specific reason. They aren’t arbitrary or misguided.
#2 There is a very definite “line drawn in the sand” as far as what tricks and tactics are not only ethical but also legally and morally right!
That being said, there have been, and always be, those who decide that they are going to do what they want to do, how they want to do it, and so do not really give a darn about Search engine optimization ethics because they consider themselves above the law. Therefore, they don’t bother obeying the rules and guidelines of ethical behavior that have been set down to protect everyone from people who choose to take shortcuts so that they can get where they wish to go in the business world. They are special. And special people require special rules.
For them, there are several different ways that Search engine optimization ethics can be circumvented, ignored or disregarded altogether. They are at best unethical and at worst illegal. But, these people don’t care how many ethics codes, Terms of Service or website rules that they bend or outright break in order to get their articles, blogs and websites listed with the top search engines and/or submitted among the highest in page ranking.
Let me give you a prime example of a blatant violation of Search engine optimization ethics. There have been freelance copywriters who, very intentionally, overstuff their copy/articles with many more keywords than actually need to be in the piece in the first place for the sole purpose of getting those articles listed with the very best of the search engines as quickly as possible and to get a much higher page ranking than the piece actually warrants. There have been a few in the past 5 years that have been caught doing this very thing and they have actually been permanently banned from ever submitting any type of copyrighted material to any of the current search engines available… and to any search engines that come online in the future! Folks, this ranks up there with plagiarism as the worst violations of Search engine optimization ethics that any copywriter can ever think of and/or carry out!
So, basically, let the Golden Rule be your guide if any ethical issue arises: Treat others as you would want to be treated. The best possible thing to do to stay on the correct side of the Search engine optimization ethics line is to remember to use only as many keywords/phrases as are absolutely necessary to get your article or website listed on the current search engines. Period. Why skip-toe across the ethical line when you can easily stand firmly on the right side. If you don’t have to do more than the basic rules, then don’t.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi!
I agree that there are ethically sound, (and unsound), things that can be done with text. None of it has ever been so immediately available to readers before the days of search engines and the Web. The onus of acting ethically is unfortunately left up to the individual. I wrote recently about an opinion about a story I read in the Chicago Tribune about bloggers who write commercial posts.
Freedom of speech is a vital part of democracy. I wouldn’t ever dare tread on it. Instead, if someone chooses to print things that are inaccurate, or worse, harmful, it should be removed by the author. However, it’s difficult to reach people that don’t have much regard for the facts in the first place. Stuffing copy is one thing. Outright mistakes ought to be as embarrassing today as they’ve ever been. Somehow, it’s not.
The hot headlines of today are built for Digg and Sphinn etc., to attract votes. Practical jokes are more prevalent. I like that these sorts of services (Digg and Sphinn) have a sort of ‘user democracy’ to it that can help bury a story. Yet blatant commercial abuse still goes on. I am glad these services are actively working on these issues. It’s hard to look to the future and see principles of valid journalism is ensured, when link-baiting bloggers abound. It’s impossible when considering that newspapers are in such decline, anyway.
Best wishes,
Disa Johnson
Hi, good post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely be coming back to your blog.
You are welcome… come back anytime now ya hear