The practice of using improper Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics in an attempt to manipulate or elevate the placement of a web site on a search engine’s search results pages (SERP). Also referred to as search engine spam or Black Hat SEO, spamdexing can include activities such as keyword stuffing, link spamming, duplication of copyrighted content, page hijacking and more.
Content Spamdexing and Link Spamdexing
A combination of the words spam and indexing, spamdexing can be broken down into two primary forms: content spamdexing and link spamdexing. The former involves manipulating the content on web pages in ways that are inconsistent with the guidelines of search engines. Content spamdexing can include tactics such as keyword stuffing, meta tag stuffing, the use of invisible text on web pages, gateway or doorway pages, duplication of copyrighted content from high-ranking web sites and more.
The second category of spamdexing, link spamdexing, refers to the use of improper links to or from web pages in an attempt to artificially elevate the reputation of a web page or site by a search engine. Link spamdexing can include activities such as the use of purchased links or link-generating software tools, link farms, hidden links on pages, pagejacking, cookie stuffing, comment spamming with web links and more.
Recommended Reading: How Web Search Engines Work and Five SEO Tips for Driving Search Engine Traffic
