When a backlinks provider creates links for clients, for example Guest Posts, they go through a process.
That process usually has a lot of manual steps involved:
to name a few.
During each step, there are multiple sub-rules to follow, in order to keep the quality high.
And this sounds simple and easy.
Until the moment these backlinks providers start processing hundreds (if not thousands) of orders per month, which requires a large team, stable process and solid automation to execute properly.
And then quality goes downhill.
Which brings two important questions:
When a backlinks provider creates links for a client, for example a Guest Posts, they go through a process.
That process usually has a lot of manual steps involved. For instance:
• Choosing the website
• Preparing the content
• Publishing the content
On each step, there are multiple rules to follow, in order to keep the quality high.
And this sounds simple.
Until the moment they start processing hundreds (if not thousands) of orders per month, which requires a large team of Order Specialists and Writers.
Which brings two important questions:
1. How do you enforce quality rules upon 50+ people, especially under pressure
2. How do you know what rules to enforce exactly, in order to avoid Google Footprints?
Automatically checking the quality of articles/sites, however, is not enough.
We’re in the SEO industry, and all content and links are crawled (discovered) by Bots. Not humans.
These bots (e.g. the Google Crawler) are created by Network and Software engineers, who know what to look for. They create algorithms that are designed to detect connections between different entities, on two general levels:
The Content-Level footprints are created by the content writers.
Exact number of paragraphs across articles. Identical link position placement. Content similarity across articles (even before being published). Link similarity across articles. AI-generated content. Plagiarism.
And the caveat here is “across articles”.
Because let’s say you order a batch of 20 articles from an SEO provider.You run each of them through an anti-plagiarism checker like CopyScape. And you find nothing.
However, the chances are that these 20 articles are written by the same writer.
When you order links, do you compare every delivered article against every other delivered article, before the content is live?
Most probably, the answer is “no”. And here’s a massive footprint that the QGP 3.0 AFS takes care of.
Writers tend to reuse a lot of these components for batch orders, which introduces footprints.
Network-level footprints are detected on a different level.
They are network concepts that allow search engines to scan the Internet for similarities between websites.
Domains, Servers, IP Addresses, C-Class networks, WHOIS records, DNS servers, metrics diversification.
Most link building providers simply don't have the capacity to perform these checks.
We do.
The only way you can enforce proper quality checks during this process is through automation.
That’s why we’ve built the QGP 3.0 Platform, which is an enterprise-grade custom-built software solution designed to encapsulate a complex infrastructure behind an easy to use Client Interface.
The QGP 3.0 Platform contains a ton of quality and footprint avoidance features that are automated and enforced across our teams, during the process of link execution.
All of this is also transparent and visible in real-time from the Client Dashboard.
You can enforce a process on this level of volume only with proper software. And good software is expensive.
My name is Kosta Hristov and I designed the QGP 3.0 Platform, along with the Anti-Footprints System (AFS) system within.
Some facts about me:
Make sure to check my Linked In profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kostahristov/
Why is this important?
Because I created QGP 3.0 myself. I created the architecture, gathered the team, lead it and incorporated everything that I know.
I designed QGP 3.0 with a magnitude of safeguards, at the cost of huge expenses.
Essentially eliminating the core set of footprints typically found with most link building providers.
And the result?
When you use QGP to build your SEO backlinks, you and your SEO projects are automatically protected.
Out of the box, at no additional cost.
We also implement a set of extra tools from our partners at LinkResearchTools.
Here's more details on the additional checks introduced:
Domain is not indexed in Google - often a sign for a Penalty
The TOX1 rule means that the link is not indexed in Google. This could mean that Google has de-indexed the site due to a Penalty. Keep in mind that a non-indexed link could also mean that it’s a new domain nobody has linked to yet. It might also have problems in the robots.txt or META robots tag. Make sure you double-check these things before removing the link. On the other hand, a domain that is not indexed in Google won’t help you SEO-wise so removing it is the better option if in doubt.
Linking domain’s theme is listed as dangerous (Malware, Malicious or Virus)
The TOX2 rule means that the domains theme is listed as dangerous with possible malware, malicious activity or a virus, which is classified as a bad neighborhood. If this link is pointing to your site, then Google may automatically assume that you are connected to this bad neighborhood. We recommend that you remove these links as soon as possible.
High DTOXRISK score for this link calculated, classified by Link Detox Genesis algorithm as unnatural
The TOX3 rule means that Link Detox Genesis algorithm classified this link as very unnatural.
This automatic evaluation and calculation of our DTOXRISK score is based on a large number of data signals and user ratings.
We recommend that you review these links very carefully. If you agree with our opinion and the link risk estimation expressed in our calculated DTOXRISK score, you should disavow these links as quickly as possible, and then try to get them removed.
The higher the calculated DTOXRISK score, the more attention you should give it during your review.
Please note that especially this rule can also be triggered for NoFollow links if you decide to calculate the DTOXRISK for NoFollow links as well. Please also read our explanations on NoFollow links here.
We took technical measures to make it impossible for competitors or malicious users to influence our algorithms in a negative way. We weight user ratings based on the trust we assign to a particular user. The trust level depends on a number of criteria. We also reserve the right to ignore user ratings altogether if we believe we cannot trust that user at all.
If you rate a link yourself, only your own opinion will be taken into consideration and will not be influenced by other users in any way.
Link from a page without external links on a weak domain
The SUSP1 rule means that the link coming from a page on a very weak domain that has no external links. This is often the case for links from forums or when the link is coming from some special automated spamming activity or listing in a link directory.
Link coming from a probably new or very weak domain
The SUSP2 rule means that it is a link coming from a very weak domain. This domain could also be a very new domain.
Possible Link Network - link coming from a weak page but has more than 10 backlinks from the same network
The SUSP3 rule means that this link comes from a page that has more than 10 backlinks from 1 C-Class IP address and also has a Domain Power*Trust value below 5 and LRT Power*Trust below 5. This could mean that this link is possibly coming from a spammy link network.
Link from possibly penalized page
The SUSP4 means that the homepage of the site the link comes from does not rank for the title of the page, which usually indicates that the page or domain has been penalized. However, special cases like pages with generic titles like “Partners” or “Home” have a hard time ranking #1 most of the times, so please make sure that you double-check special cases like these.
Linking domain’s theme is listed as suspicious (Hacking, Suspicious or Pornography)
The SUSP5 rule means that the theme of the domain has been listed as Hacking, Suspicious or Pornography. For most webmasters, links from these types of websites are not what they want.
Possible Link Network - same registrant as other linking domains
The SUSP6 rule means that it has detected links coming from the same domain name registrant (REG) as other linking domains. This normally means that the links are possibly from a link network. Always be aware of your neighborhood.
Possible Link Network - Domain has the same IP as other linking domains
The SUSP7 rule means that it has detected links coming from the same IP address as other linking domains. This normally means that the links are possibly from a link network. Always be aware of your neighborhood.
Possible Link Network - Domain has the same Class-C as other linking domains
The SUSP8 rule means that it has detected links coming from the same C-Class IP address as other linking domains. This often means that the links are possibly from a link network. Many links from domains in the same C-Class block often indicate that these domains are part of a link network.
Possible Link Network - Domain has the same DNS as other linking domains
The SUSP9 rule means that it has detected links coming from the same DNS (Domain name server) as other linking domains. Many links from domains with the same DNS often mean that these domains are part of a simple setup link network. This rule might also be triggered if you have links from many small websites that by coincidence share the same public or very large hosting company. Please double-check for generic DNS providers or shared hosting sources.
Linking domain has very negative Link Velocity Trend
This domain is maybe part of an Expired Domain link network or a domain that the public has lost interest in.
The SUSP10 rule means that it has a link velocity trend that dropped by 70%. We analyze the link growth of every domain and understand that in this case the link growth of the last 4 months is significantly smaller than it was in the last 12 and 24 months. Usually, that’s a sign that the domain has been abandoned by the current owner (as many expired domain link networks are, especially after a Google Penguin update).
Sitewide Footer Link detected - a typical way how paid links or “friend”-links are artificially placed
The SUSP11 rule means that a sitewide footer link has been detected. While sitewide links have been popular in the past, they have really lost most of their power in recent times. Today, there’s more risk and reward because SEO experts and Google likewise can easily spot these links and most industries have been cleaned up from such links. We recommend that you inspect this link carefully as it could potentially be cross-linking between your own sites. Cross-linking between own sites is tolerated for some big brands if on topic (think of Amazon, Ebay, big publishers), but usually not accepted for the average webmaster.
Possible Link Network - Linking domain has the same Google Analytics code as other linking domains
The SUSP12 rule means that the linking domain has the same Google Analytics code as other linking domains. If multiple domains have the same Google IDs, then it is a strong signal of a possible link network. We recommend examining these domains manually because many agencies manage the Google accounts of their clients and this could be the reason for the same Google ID. In addition, even if there is a link network, it is not necessarily classified as “poor.”
Possible Link Network - Domain uses the same Google Adsense Publisher ID as other linking domains
The SUSP13 rule means that the domain name has the same Google Adsense Publisher ID as other linking domains. If multiple domains have the same Google IDs, then it is a strong signal of a possible link network. We recommend examining these domains manually because many agencies manage the Google accounts of their clients and this could be the reason for the same Google ID. In addition even if there is a link network, it is not necessarily classified as "poor".
Link Directory Links
The SUSP15 means that these links are coming from typical Web link directory footprints, which were often just setup to artificially inflate link popularities and/or sell links. While for many SEOs filling up link profiles with this type of links used to be common practice for years, this approach can no longer be recommended these days.
Article Directory Links
The SUSP16 means these links are coming from typical article directories, which were the successor of link directories and often also automatically filled with useless articles just to get a link from as many as possible domains. Often these article directory pages were furthermore linked with spam links to increase their inbound links and thus make those otherwise useless pages more helpful. While this was practice for years for many SEOs it cannot be recommended these days.
Massive Number of outgoing Links
The SUSP17 rule means that this page has more than 1,000 outgoing links. This could be a sign for a spammy blog or directory. Please make sure you review these links carefully.
*Young domain with low LRT PowerTrust**
The SUSP18 rule means that it’s a link from a page that is coming from a young domain (less than 6 months old) that has a low LRT Power*Trust Domain value below 3.
Above Average DTOXRISK score calculated for this link
The SUSP20 rule means that Link Detox Genesis algorithm rated this link as suspicious based on its DTOXRISK score. The automatic evaluation and calculation of our DTOXRISK score is based on a large number of data signals and user ratings.
We recommend that you review these links carefully. If you agree with our opinion and the link risk estimation expressed in our calculated DTOXRISK score, you should disavow these links as quickly as possible, and then try to get them removed.
The higher the calculated DTOXRISK score, the more attention you should give it during your review.
Please note that especially this rule can also trigger NoFollow links if you decide to calculate the DTOXRISK for NoFollow links as well. Please also read our explanations on NoFollow links here.
We took technical measures to make it impossible for competitors or malicious users to influence our algorithms in a negative way. We weight user ratings based on the trust we assign to a particular user. The trust level depends on a number of criteria. We also reserve the right to ignore user ratings altogether if we believe we cannot trust that user at all.
If you rate a link yourself, only your own opinion will be taken into consideration and will not be influenced by other users in any way.
Linking domain found on Blacklist
The SUSP21 rule means that the domain linking to your website has been found on one or more blacklists that we cross-reference. You should consider removing this link.
Possible Link Network - Domain has the same website footprints as other linking domains
The SUSP22 rule means that Link Detox Genesis footprint detection found this domain to be closely related to other domains that link to you. This is often the case with link networks. This footprint rule is different to SUSP23, SUSP24. Please understand that for competitive reasons we cannot disclose more details here.
Please review if this link is spammy or unnatural and then consider removal or disavow.
Possible Link Network - Domain has the same website footprints as other linking domains
The SUSP23 rule means that Link Detox Genesis footprint detection found this domain to be closely related to other domains that link to you. This is often the case with link networks. This footprint rule is different to SUSP22, SUSP24. Please understand that for competitive reasons we cannot disclose more details here.
Please review if this link is spammy or unnatural and then consider removal or disavow.
Possible Link Network - Domain has the same website footprints as other linking domains
The SUSP24 rule means that Link Detox Genesis footprint detection found this domain to be closely related to other domains that link to you. This is often the case with link networks. This footprint rule is different to SUSP22, SUSP23. Please understand that for competitive reasons we cannot disclose more details here.
Please review if this link is spammy or unnatural and then consider removal or disavow.
Hidden image link detected
The SUSP25 rule means that a hidden image link has been detected. This is often a sign of bad linking tactics. Please review if this link is spammy or unnatural and then consider removal or disavow.
Links coming from typical link voting directories
The SUSP26 rule means that it’s a link coming from link voting directories, a common way to inflate link popularities and/or sell links. Such techniques are no longer recommended.
Links from possibly penalized Domain
The SUSP27 rule means that we assume that the link comes from a penalized domain. This is the case if we don’t see any rankings, but still count some LRT Power*Trust for a particular domain. This means the domain should have some rankings, but doesn’t. We can, therefore, assume that Google penalized the domain.
Please review if this link is spammy or unnatural and then consider removal or disavow.
Money keyword anchor text appears in more than 5% of all backlinks
The SUSP28 rule means that a money keyword anchor text was found in more than 5% of the backlinks in your link profile. This is usually a sign of “overdone” SEO and is highly problematic as Google could also detect it easily. Please check if the keyword phrase of this anchor text has been classified correctly and if you find high-risk links that you should consider removing. You might also want to change links from “Money Keywords” to “Brand Links”.
Please note that the 5% in this rule only serve as a simple filter for “really overdone” anchor texts, and lower percentages could also cause issues.
Compound keyword anchor text appears in more than 5% of all backlinks
The SUSP29 rule means that the anchor text has been marked as a "Compound Keyword" and appears in more than 5% of all backlinks anchor texts. It’s highly recommended to review this link to ensure it is not spam.
Link from a potentially spammy forum
The SUSP30 rule means that you have links coming from forums that are typically targeted by link spamming tools. We recommend reviewing these links before removal.
Anchor text placement looks suspicious
The SUSP31 rule means that the anchor text placement looks suspicious. We recommend reviewing these links before removal.
The Domain has a lot more LRT Power than LRT Trust
Low Trust and High Power links aren’t necessarily the best ones. You have to look deeper at the individual LRT Power and LRT Trust metrics to see the true quality of the link. Links like these are typical examples of the “gambling and adult entertainment” niche – very strong links from untrusted sites.
Such discrepancies between LRT Trust and LRT Power can usually be attributed to low quality or automated link building.
The Page has a lot more LRT Power than LRT Trust
Same as SUSP32, but this time at a page level.
Link from a Top-Level-Domain that is often used by spammers
The SUSP 34 rule means that the link is coming from a Top-Level-Domain that is often used by spammers like .xyz. Additionally, it has a LRT Power*Trust Dom under 30. You should review this link if it is spammy.
Anchor Text looks suspicious - possibly Negative SEO
The SUSP 35 rule detects suspicious looking anchor texts that could be part of a negative SEO attack. You should carefully review this link, but look at the overall influx of toxic links, redirects and rel-canonicals, just like other negative SEO aspects.
Redirect chain looks suspicious - possibly Negative SEO
The SUSP 36 rule detects redirects chains that contain suspicious patters that could hint at a negative SEO attack. You should carefully review this link, but look at the overall influx of toxic links, redirects and rel-canonicals, just like other negative SEO aspects.
