Definition
- Grey hat SEO techniques fall between white hat and black hat tactics, operating in a morally ambiguous space where they may not directly violate search engine guidelines but are not entirely ethical or legitimate.
Examples
- Indirect link buying: Exchanging money or goods for backlinks through partnerships or collaborations, which may resemble natural link acquisition.
- Fabricated product reviews: Generating fake or manipulated reviews to influence search rankings and deceive users.
Risks and Consequences
- Potential future penalties as search engines tighten algorithms and crack down on borderline practices.
Reduced effectiveness over time as search engines scrutinize grey hat tactics.