Earlier this week, the New York Times reported on a Brooklyn man who attributes the success of his online business to angering customers. Wait, what?
Remember that post we did a few weeks ago on how to get your website higher on Google? And that a lot of your ranking has to do with the number of sites linking to you? Well, one man figured out that negative comments generate just as many links–if not more–than positive endorsements. A strategy built on customer dissatisfaction? Online business owner Vitaly Borker explains,
“I’ve exploited this opportunity because it works. No matter where they post their negative comments, it helps my return on investment. So I decided, why not use that negativity to my advantage?”
As it turns out, Google doesn't appreciate being publicly humiliated.
Upon learning of the incident, they immediately assembled a team to develop an algorithm to prevent further misuse of the search engine. Although Borker's website isn't banned, it certainly isn't a top result; once again proving that cheaters using black hat SEO techniques never prosper.
What does this mean to you?
As a consumer, it means you can have greater confidence knowing Google will try not to be an accomplice again. (Although, it wouldn't hurt to do a little research on a company before you give them money.) As a business, it means you should adhere to Google's mantra, "Don't Be Evil".