Grumpy SEO Guy Podcast Summary Episode 72: How to Build Your Own PBN Part 4: Answers to Questions From Reddit
Release Date: September 4, 2024
Host: Grumpy SEO Guy

Episode Overview

In Episode 72 of the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast, titled "How to Build Your Own PBN Part 4: Answers to Questions From Reddit," the host delves into a comprehensive Q&A session sourced from listeners' inquiries on Reddit. Building upon the previous three episodes in the series, this installment focuses on addressing nuanced questions about Private Blog Networks (PBNs), SEO strategies, and the evolving landscape of the SEO industry.

Disclaimer

At the onset of the episode, Grumpy SEO Guy emphasizes the importance of his disclaimer:

"Everything I say here is based on my experience and opinion from 14 years in the industry. I don't officially know how Google or any other search engines work. This podcast does not constitute advice or services. What worked for me may or may not work for you."
[00:30]

This cautionary note sets the tone for the episode, ensuring listeners understand that the insights shared are experiential and not definitive guides.

Q&A Responses

1. Finding Decent Domains Under $1,000

Question: How to find a decent domain for less than $1k?

Grumpy SEO Guy acknowledges the frequent requests for a video demonstration on this topic and expresses plans to create one, recognizing its value to listeners.

"I agree. I think it would be helpful."
[02:15]

2. Google API Leak and PBN Viability

Question: What do you think about the Google API leak and its impact on PBNs?

He addresses concerns regarding the leak, clarifying misconceptions about repurposing authoritative domains. Grumpy SEO Guy distinguishes his practices from the examples cited in the leak, emphasizing ethical domain usage.

"I have never said reuse an authoritative website that was previously for medical stuff as a casino."
[05:45]

3. Limiting Posts on PBNs

Question: Why limit posts to 10 on a PBN? Some have PBNs with over 500 pages.

He clarifies that his recommendation to limit posts was based on older WordPress themes where homepage authority was maximized with fewer posts. However, he acknowledges that modern themes offer more flexibility.

"Which do you think provides more link juice? A post on the homepage where all of the authority is. Or a post on some distant page? It's the one on the homepage in like 99% of cases."
[10:30]

4. Choosing Between PBN Strategies

Question: Should one build a PBN or use Web 2.0s to raise a new site's authority?

Grumpy SEO Guy advocates for purchasing lower-value expired domains for PBNs over using Web 2.0s, citing their diminishing effectiveness and positioning Web 2.0s as a supplementary strategy.

"Web 2.0s are way less effective than they used to be."
[14:20]

5. Future of SEO in the Age of AI and DOJ's Google Monopoly Investigation

Question: How do AI advancements and potential antitrust actions against Google affect SEO?

He expresses a neutral stance on AI, asserting that SEO remains essential for businesses to drive sales. Regarding Google's potential monopoly status, he acknowledges the possibility of other search engines gaining traction but remains uncertain about specific outcomes.

"If you're selling blue widgets, do you know of a question that somebody could type in and see an AI response and then think, I'm not gonna buy a blue widget anymore?"
[18:50]

6. Black Hat Tactics

Question: Can you discuss common black hat SEO tactics done poorly?

Grumpy SEO Guy declines to cover black hat strategies, emphasizing the risks of deindexing and the importance of ethical SEO practices.

"We're not gonna teach black hat SEO on here."
[22:10]

7. Recreating Old Sites Using Archive.org

Question: How much of an old site should be recreated using content from archive.org?

He firmly advises against copying old sites, reiterating the stance from Episode 5 that such practices are detrimental.

"In episode five, you do not copy old sites. Period."
[25:30]

8. Post Attributes for PBNs

Question: What are the best practices for post length, frequency, and image usage on PBN sites?

He advocates for natural variability in post lengths, publication rates, and image usage to mimic genuine websites, warning against formulaic content that appears robotic.

"Make it look like a standard website....Some posts are gonna be short, some are gonna be longer."
[29:00]

9. Quality and Thematic Focus of PBN Sites

Question: Does the quality of PBN sites matter, and should they be generalist or niche-specific?

Grumpy SEO Guy underscores the importance of quality, ensuring PBN sites appear legitimate. He advises against overly niche-specific networks to avoid conflicts of interest and footprint risks.

"The number one rule in building a PBN? Have a normal looking website."
[33:15]

10. Evaluating Expired Domains

Question: How to evaluate expired domains effectively?

He recommends using multiple SEO tools like Semrush, Moz, and Ahrefs to assess authority and backlink quality, as authority scores can vary significantly between tools.

"Authority ratings differ a lot because authority is a guess."
[37:40]

11. Automated vs. Manual Bidding on Expired Domains

Question: Should one use automated bidding or bid manually when acquiring expired domains?

Grumpy SEO Guy shares his experiences with manual bidding, explaining the nuances of auction increments and strategies to avoid immediate overbidding.

"In auction sites, you can bid your maximum, but it won't put the bid there until somebody else bids up to that number."
[41:05]

12. Creating Relevance Between PBN and Money Sites

Question: How to create relevance between a PBN site and a client's niche, such as using an infographic?

He encourages flexibility, suggesting that content can bridge different niches as long as it remains relevant and natural.

"If your website is about nails, maybe you have a post about how you're interested in video marketing because you want to get the word out there about your nails."
[44:50]

13. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) in PBNs

Question: What are your thoughts on using CDNs, specifically Cloudflare, for PBN sites?

Admitting a lack of expertise in the area, Grumpy SEO Guy refrains from providing guidance, preferring not to offer potentially inaccurate information.

"I do not have enough knowledge to answer the question."
[48:30]

14. Indexing Portfolio Sites

Question: What is the best method to get portfolio sites indexed without using search console?

He outlines several strategies:

1. Purchase already indexed domains: Simplifies the indexing process.
2. Post new content regularly: Encourages search engines to crawl the site.
3. Build backlinks: Increases the likelihood of being discovered by crawlers.
4. Utilize sitemaps: Ensures all pages are linked internally.

He cautions against using indexing services due to potential unnatural backlink practices.

"The best way to get portfolio sites indexed is, number one, buy domains that are already indexed... number four, have a sitemap."
[52:15]

15. PBNs for Local SEO Agencies

Question: Should a local SEO agency for local businesses start a PBN?

He advises that while backlinks are beneficial, local SEO primarily relies on other factors like Google My Business profiles, consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) data, reviews, and citations. Hence, PBNs are less critical for local SEO.

"Backlinks are important for local SEO, but not to the level that they are for, not local SEO."
[55:40]

Conclusion

Grumpy SEO Guy wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners who engaged via Reddit. He reiterates his commitment to addressing listener questions and encourages ongoing interaction through the Grumpy SEO Guy subreddit and his email. Additionally, he promotes his Patreon for those wishing to support the podcast.

"Thank you guys. Thanks to everybody who replied in this thread about what questions you want me to answer."
[59:50]

He previews the next episode, which will delve into his experiences with SEO interviews, signaling a continued commitment to providing valuable SEO insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "If you listen to this podcast, you will know more about SEO than 99% of people on the planet."
  [00:45]

• "Web 2.0s are way less effective than they used to be."
  [14:20]

• "Black hat SEO on a site you care about long term... your site's probably going to get de-indexed."
  [22:35]

• "Authority ratings differ a lot because authority is a guess."
  [37:45]

• "Don't overthink it. Just make a post. Posting is better than not posting."
  [29:50]

Final Thoughts

Episode 72 serves as a treasure trove for SEO professionals and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of PBNs and related strategies. Grumpy SEO Guy's candid responses, grounded in over a decade of industry experience, provide clarity on complex topics while emphasizing ethical SEO practices. Whether you're grappling with domain acquisition, content strategies, or navigating the shifting SEO landscape influenced by AI and regulatory actions, this episode offers actionable insights to enhance your SEO endeavors.