I put my Parasite SEO Course out in 2023, and a lot of you have asked me for a basic introduction to what parasite SEO actually is.

So, without any further ado… Let’s get into it.

Exploiting Google’s Trust in Big Websites

Google favours big websites like Amazon, YouTube etc.. because they have pre-existing authority. This means you’ll be able to exploit that trust and authority to pound a page with links, or simply add a large amount of content and go after big keywords hi-jacking the authority from the site, rather than having to build it on your own site.

A Parasite Can Take The Spam

Due to you being able to take authority from a big website, most big sites are used to having large volumes of links incoming all the time.. So adding a few thousand links to a normal money site would likely deindex it, but with a parasite.. The only way is up.

You can also get away with certain tactics that normally would get a page banned… Things like keyword stuffing, over-optimization and spam link building would normally result in drops, but on a parasite.. The only way is up.

My Parasite Presentation

Though this presentation is years and years old, it still holds some very relevant info for you and is a good watch if you want to learn more about parasite SEO, as well as have a throwback to the past of me just starting out in my career –

Advantages of Parasite SEO

1. Quicker Rankings: One of the main attractions of parasite SEO is the speed at which you can achieve rankings. With the backing of a high-authority domain, your content can rank faster compared to a newer or less-trusted website.
2. Cost-effective: This strategy can save you money in the long run. Building authority for a new website involves time, content, and often a considerable amount of money. By leveraging a high-authority website, you’re sidestepping some of those costs.
3. Flexibility: If one parasite page gets penalized or isn’t performing as you’d hoped, it’s relatively easy to move on and create another. The risk is significantly reduced, unlike with your main website where a penalty can be disastrous.
4. Greater Audience Reach: Hosting content on popular platforms can expose your content to a platform’s existing user base, thus widening the potential audience.
5. Potential Risks and Drawbacks
6. Lack of Control: Hosting your content on another platform means you’re at the mercy of that platform. They can change their terms of service, remove your content, or even ban your account.
7. Over-reliance: Solely depending on parasite SEO can be a risky game. It’s crucial to have your strategies diversified. Parasite SEO should be a part of your SEO arsenal, not the entirety of it.
8. Potential Ethical Concerns: Some might see parasite SEO as a way of gaming the system. It’s important to always ensure that the content you’re creating is high-quality, relevant, and not just designed to trick search engines.

Tips for Effective Parasite SEO

1. Quality Over Quantity: Always prioritize the quality of your content. Just because a platform has high authority doesn’t mean low-quality content will rank.
2. Diversify Platforms: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Exploit several high-authority platforms to spread the risk.
3. Regularly Monitor: Keep an eye on your parasite pages. Check rankings, engagement metrics, and any potential issues that might arise.

Should You Use Parasite SEO?

Parasite SEO can be a powerful tool when used correctly. It allows SEOs and marketers to leverage well-established platforms’ authority for quicker and more robust rankings. However, as with all strategies, weighing the pros and cons, keeping ethical considerations in mind, and always aiming to provide genuine value to your audience is essential.