Podcast Summary: Grumpy SEO Guy – Episode 108: What Are Those Spammy SEO Links Everyone Seems to Be Getting Constantly?

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host: Grumpy SEO Guy
Podcast Title: Grumpy SEO Guy

Introduction

In Episode 108 of "Grumpy SEO Guy," the host delves into the pervasive issue of spammy SEO backlinks that have become increasingly common across websites. Drawing from his 14 years of experience running an SEO agency, Grumpy SEO Guy aims to demystify these questionable links and provide actionable insights for SEO professionals and website owners.

Understanding Spammy SEO Backlinks

Defining the Issue

Grumpy SEO Guy begins by addressing the surge in spammy backlinks that many website owners are encountering. These links often appear in SEO analysis tools like Ahrefs and are characterized by phrases such as "find the best DA backlinks for your website here." They are typically no-follow links and are designed to appear as legitimate backlinks at first glance.

Grumpy SEO Guy [00:45]: "They say things like, high DA backlinks to your website. Find the best high DA backlink and high authority domains for your website here."

Prevalence and Evolution

A year prior, only a handful of companies engaged in creating such backlinks. However, the landscape has changed dramatically, with numerous entities now employing this strategy. This proliferation suggests that these spammy backlinks have become a standard marketing tactic within the SEO industry.

Grumpy SEO Guy [03:15]: "A year ago there was one company, maybe two companies doing this, and now there are a lot of companies doing this."

The Purpose Behind Spammy Backlinks

Marketing Strategy

The primary motive for generating these backlinks is to market SEO services, specifically backlink sales. When SEO professionals or website owners review their backlink profiles using tools like Ahrefs, they are likely to encounter these spammy links. Recognizing the potential for genuine backlink opportunities, these marketers exploit the scenario by embedding promotional content within the backlinks.

Grumpy SEO Guy [05:50]: "If somebody is using Ahrefs or that kind of tool, they understand the importance of backlinks. So they probably are more likely to be interested in buying backlinks."

Targeting SEO-Savvy Individuals

The creation of these backlinks is a targeted approach aimed at individuals who are already invested in SEO practices. By placing their promotional links within the backlink profiles, marketers increase the likelihood of attracting clicks from those seeking to enhance their website's SEO through legitimate backlink acquisition.

Grumpy SEO Guy [07:30]: "They are making these backlinks because the people that are looking at their own websites and Ahrefs are probably going to see these backlinks click on them, and they're trying to sell those people backlinks."

Impact on Websites and SEO Strategies

Potential Harm to Websites

A common concern among website owners is whether these spammy backlinks negatively impact their site's SEO. Grumpy SEO Guy alleviates these fears by explaining that since these links are typically no-follow, they do not directly harm the website's ranking. Moreover, as these backlinks proliferate across the internet, any negative impact would be widespread rather than isolated.

Grumpy SEO Guy [12:10]: "If they're hurting you, they're also hurting all the other websites on the Internet."

Ubiquity of Spammy Backlinks

Nearly every website scrutinized by Grumpy SEO Guy's agency shows the presence of these spammy backlinks. This ubiquity underscores the widespread adoption of this marketing technique and highlights the importance of website owners being vigilant about their backlink profiles.

Grumpy SEO Guy [13:50]: "Most websites that we look at have these kinds of backlinks now."

Recommendations for Handling Spammy Backlinks

Ignoring the Spam

Grumpy SEO Guy advises website owners to ignore these spammy backlinks as they are primarily marketing tools with no substantial SEO benefits. Since these links are widespread, dealing with them individually would be inefficient and likely unnecessary.

Grumpy SEO Guy [09:15]: "My suggestion is that you ignore them because it's just marketing, okay? They will probably vanish eventually."

Focus on Quality Backlinks

Instead of getting distracted by these spammy links, website owners should concentrate on cultivating genuine, high-quality backlinks that offer real SEO value. This strategic focus ensures sustained and meaningful improvements in search engine rankings.

Conclusion

In this episode, Grumpy SEO Guy provides a clear and concise exploration of the rise of spammy SEO backlinks, elucidating their purpose as marketing tools designed to sell backlink services. By explaining the nature and intent behind these links, he offers reassurance that they pose minimal threat to a website's SEO health. His advice to ignore these links and prioritize authentic backlink strategies serves as a pragmatic approach for maintaining and enhancing website authority in an increasingly cluttered SEO landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Grumpy SEO Guy [00:45]: "They say things like, high DA backlinks to your website. Find the best high DA backlink and high authority domains for your website here."
• Grumpy SEO Guy [03:15]: "A year ago there was one company, maybe two companies doing this, and now there are a lot of companies doing this."
• Grumpy SEO Guy [05:50]: "If somebody is using Ahrefs or that kind of tool, they understand the importance of backlinks. So they probably are more likely to be interested in buying backlinks."
• Grumpy SEO Guy [07:30]: "They are making these backlinks because the people that are looking at their own websites and Ahrefs are probably going to see these backlinks click on them, and they're trying to sell those people backlinks."
• Grumpy SEO Guy [09:15]: "My suggestion is that you ignore them because it's just marketing, okay? They will probably vanish eventually."
• Grumpy SEO Guy [12:10]: "If they're hurting you, they're also hurting all the other websites on the Internet."
• Grumpy SEO Guy [13:50]: "Most websites that we look at have these kinds of backlinks now."

Final Thoughts

Grumpy SEO Guy continues to be a valuable resource for demystifying complex SEO topics, offering practical advice grounded in extensive industry experience. Episode 108 serves as a testament to his commitment to cutting through SEO jargon and delivering actionable insights that empower listeners to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization.