Looking to outperform competitors in challenging search results without the backing of an authoritative website? Welcome to the world of Parasite SEO.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the utilization of this strategic approach to leverage high-authority platforms and establish a foothold in lucrative niche markets.
What Is Parasite SEO?
Parasite SEO, often referred to as parasite hosting, is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy where a website or web page leverages the authority and trust of a high-ranking, established website to rank on search engine results pages (SERPs). In this approach, rather than trying to improve the rankings of your own website directly, you create or publish content on third-party platforms or websites that already have strong SEO rankings. These third-party platforms can include popular social media sites, web 2.0 properties, online forums, or other high-authority websites.
The goal of parasite SEO is to create and optimize content on these external platforms to rank well for specific keywords or search queries, thereby driving organic traffic to your desired target, which could be your own website or an affiliate offer. It relies on the idea that these established platforms are more likely to rank well on search engines due to their existing authority and trustworthiness.
Does Parasite SEO Work?
I believe it’s a definite affirmative.
Let’s examine the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) for “best appetite suppressant” using my preferred search engine optimization tool, Ahrefs.
As of the time of composing this article, practically the entire SERP is occupied by parasite SEO websites harnessing the power of high-authority websites with significant domain authority:
In fact, the sole exceptions are Healthline and Amazon, which are perceived by many SEOs as formidable competitors that are challenging to surpass. This implies that seven distinct SEOs (or perhaps one exceptionally skilled SEO 🤔) have outperformed two highly authoritative websites that are progressively dominating Google search results.
When Should You Use Parasite SEO?
Similar to many aspects of life, parasite SEO may not be suitable for everyone.
Before venturing into parasite SEO as a strategy, it’s essential to understand and embrace a few fundamental concepts. Firstly, you should be comfortable with the idea of building an asset primarily for generating cash flow, rather than focusing on long-term value creation. Parasite SEO posts typically hold less appeal for potential website buyers since you don’t own them, and there’s always the risk of losing them.
Keep in mind that the authority site you’re targeting might decide to remove your post. Additionally, your competitors could publish similar or superior content, potentially surpassing your rankings in search results. Parasite SEO posts can also be somewhat volatile. While marketers have been leveraging parasite SEO for years, and it’s likely to remain a part of SEO in the near future, even parasite SEO posts are not immune to updates. Particularly with competitive keywords, rankings can rise and fall quickly.
Since you’re posting on a high Domain Rating (DR) website that you don’t have complete control over, many elements are outside your influence. For instance, you might not have the ability to go back and edit the content, the website owners can restructure their architecture, and Google might determine that the website is no longer as authoritative. The list of uncontrollable variables can be quite extensive.
How Do You Implement Parasite SEO?
By now, you might be curious about how to put parasite SEO into practice. While it’s not an overly complex process, it does require a certain level of skill and expertise.
Find High Authority Publications Open To Parasite SEO
To begin, your initial task involves identifying high-authority websites that are open to hosting parasite SEO articles. You can initiate this process by conducting a search related to the topic you wish to rank for and analyzing the leading pages in those search results. Take note of the websites that accept contributions from external authors, and then reach out to those ranking for related keywords to propose your content contribution.
For instance, if you gain the opportunity to publish content on SI.com, you’ll be harnessing the power and authority of a DR87 website.
Pay For Sponsored Content (Or Guest Post)
While it is possible to contribute a parasite SEO “guest post,” the more common scenario involves paying for “sponsored content.” Paying for sponsored content is a standard practice within parasite SEO and is not inherently negative.
For example, Si.com, a domain with very high authority, permits sponsored content, and many individuals are capitalizing on this opportunity to engage in parasite SEO. Given the substantial investment often required for such articles, it becomes essential to include your “calls to action” links for affiliate sales. Traditional guest posts on high authority sites may not allow this, necessitating the expenditure on a sponsored post to ensure the inclusion of CTAs.
In fact, if you examine the majority of “parasite” articles, you will observe that they are clearly identified as sponsored content.
Apply Fundamentals Of On-Page SEO
While this might be apparent to experienced SEO professionals, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to dedicate time and effort to fine-tune your on-page SEO, even when dealing with high-authority websites.
Relying solely on the authority of the website is unlikely to guarantee a high ranking. It remains necessary to utilize tools such as SurferSEO and Ahrefs to ensure that your content is well-structured, includes relevant keywords, and meets the required keyword density, among other factors. It’s unwise to assume that your content will automatically achieve a favorable ranking solely based on the website’s authority—instead, invest the time to thoroughly optimize your content.
Link Build Your Content
While your parasite SEO post aims to leverage an authoritative website to enhance your search engine rankings, it’s essential to recognize that you’re entering a realm of highly competitive keywords.
To compete effectively and achieve a higher ranking, you must engage in link building for your parasite SEO content. If your competitors are high-authority web pages with established backlinks, you’ll also require backlinks to bolster your position in the rankings.
White Hat Parasite SEO
White-hat parasite SEO, as outlined earlier, primarily revolves around the approach to link building for your page. The key distinction lies in the way you construct links for your page – it focuses on creating genuine, high-quality backlinks. There’s no room for spam or link wheels; instead, it relies on legitimate guest posts and quality links directed towards your ‘parasite’ post.
The link-building process resembles that of a long-term authority website. The goal is to ensure the longevity of your post and reap lasting benefits from your efforts.
Black Hat Parasite SEO
Some parasite SEO practitioners resort to black-hat SEO methods to boost the rankings of these pages. The content structure typically remains consistent – since you’re publishing on prominent publications, it requires a substantial level of effort, and subpar articles are unlikely to suffice. Only top-notch content will suffice.
The key distinction lies in the link-building approach employed for your parasite pages.
These factors suggest the utilization of link-building tools to some extent. The success of parasite SEO hinges on the robust Domain Rating (DR) of authoritative websites, enabling them to accommodate a multitude of low-quality backlinks without significant repercussions. These are the kind of backlinks that you’d typically steer clear of when dealing with long-term web assets.
The underlying concept behind this strategy is that Google is less inclined to penalize pages hosted on high-DR websites with established brand credibility.
To draw an analogy, it’s akin to the scenario of having a few drinks and then driving. Despite having consumed alcohol, the police officer allows you to proceed because you’re coming from a position of authority.
FAQs
1. What is Parasite SEO?
Parasite SEO is a search engine optimization technique where you create and optimize content on third-party websites or platforms to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs) and drive traffic to your target website.
2. How does Parasite SEO work?
Parasite SEO works by leveraging the authority and trust of high-ranking websites. You create content on these platforms, optimize it with relevant keywords and backlinks, and when the content ranks well, it can attract organic traffic to your site.
3. Is Parasite SEO ethical?
The ethics of Parasite SEO can be debated. While it’s not against search engine guidelines, some may consider it a grey-hat or even black-hat technique, as it involves piggybacking on the authority of other websites.
4. What are some examples of platforms used in Parasite SEO?
Common platforms for Parasite SEO include Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube, Quora, Reddit, and niche-specific forums.
5. Is Parasite SEO a long-term strategy?
Parasite SEO can provide short-term traffic boosts, but it’s not necessarily a long-term strategy. Platforms may change their policies or algorithms, affecting your rankings.
6. Are there any risks associated with Parasite SEO?
Yes, there are risks. If the platform where you’ve optimized content changes its policies or removes your content, your rankings and traffic may suffer. Additionally, relying solely on Parasite SEO may not build a sustainable online presence.
7. How do I find suitable platforms for Parasite SEO?
Look for high-authority websites or platforms related to your niche. You can also use keyword research tools to identify platforms where your target audience searches for information.
8. What types of content work best for Parasite SEO?
Content types that work well include articles, blog posts, videos, and answers to questions on forums or Q&A sites. The content should be relevant and valuable to the platform’s users.
9. Can Parasite SEO be combined with other SEO strategies?
Yes, Parasite SEO can be part of a broader SEO strategy. It can complement on-site SEO efforts, content marketing, and link building.
10. How do I measure the success of Parasite SEO campaigns?
You can measure success through keyword rankings, organic traffic, click-through rates (CTR), and conversions. Tools like Google Analytics and Search Console can help track performance.
Conclusion
Parasite SEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, and it’s crucial to determine whether you’re comfortable with the inherent unpredictability of this SEO approach, considering that your asset resides on another entity’s website.
Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether to adopt a white-hat or black-hat approach.
Irrespective of your choice, the critical factor is to strike the right balance between harnessing the authority of high-ranking websites and upholding a sustainable SEO strategy.
Above all, remain adaptable and stay vigilant in monitoring the continually evolving SEO terrain.
