What is Unnatural Link Spike? How to optimise this in SEO?
Unnatural link spike is a term refers to instant increase in backlinks present on a website within a particular time frame. This sudden influx signals search engines that there is something wrong. Here in this article we will look at what is unnatural link spike and how to optimise it in SEO.
What Is Unnatural Link Spike? How To Optimise This In SEO?
Unnatural link spike happens when there is a rapid increase in the backlinks on a website. The link acquisition that typically deviates from the usual and general linking pattern, signals to the search engine that there is something problematic.
Although getting a few extra links is beneficial and harmless for the website, this sudden influx can signal search engines about the links that they are not earned organically or there is something wrong with the website. It also informs search engines that these links are artificially manufactured to deceive search engines in order to get a boost in the ranking.
There are several situations that end up with unnatural link spikes. Participating in link exchanging activities, purchasing links from low quality directory or engaging in blackhead SEO practices are some of the common causes that can lead to unnatural link spikes.
Remember not every unnatural link spike is bad. For example the boost in backlinks that you get due to some viral content or due to a seasonal trend, can be beneficial.
Moreover, if you have got a sudden boost in backlinks on your websites due to a major PR campaign, getting unnatural link spikes is not only natural in the situation but also beneficial and advantageous and increases organic growth of the backlinks on your website.
Impacts Of Unnatural Link Spike In SEO
There is this Google’s Penguin Update that targets those websites particularly involved in the link scheme. If unnatural link spike is proven due to a link scheme, your website may suffer from penalties from search algorithms and significant decline in search ranking.
Moreover, with unnatural links spike, you may get a temporary boost in your SEO performance but remember it is temporary and short lived. This short lived SEO improvement quickly falls off, unless and until the unnatural link spike is due to user experience or content quality.
Furthermore, addition of backlinks from other poor sources or low quality websites can result in significant reputation damage that not only damages the validity, reliability and reputation of the website in the eyes of users but also in the eyes of search engines. Make sure not to fall victim to any illegal or false activity that can give you an unnatural link spike or lead you to penalties from search engines.
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Conclusion
In order to take care of the SEO health of your website, you have to pay attention to unnatural link spikes and why they are occurring. The long term consequences of unnatural links spikes are harmful not only for your ranking but also for reputation. Above article tells you everything about unnatural link spikes, so you can understand the concept, grasp it and apply it in a better way.