There are many tactics used to boost website rankings—hundreds, thousands, probably millions if we really got into it.

Some of these tactics are ethical, others not so much.

These tactics are referred to as "black hat SEO" or "black hat techniques", controversial methods that are not regarded well by search engines.

One such method is Parasite SEO.

In this article, we'll shed light on what Parasite SEO is, how it works, and why it's considered a black hat SEO tactic.

This is a highly relevant topic for any business in 2025, as Google and other search engines crack down on it.

What is Parasite SEO?

Parasite SEO involves leveraging the high domain authority of well-established websites to rank higher in search engine results. Essentially, it's any tactic that allows you to "piggyback" off the success of another website.

There's really a wide range of practices that can be considered Parasite SEO, and not all of them are totally "bad".

• A common, mild use of this technique could simply involve reposting your articles on LinkedIn. LinkedIn Articles may rank higher than an article on your website due to the site's high existing authority.

• As we get a little bit more into the grey area, techniques look like paying for sponsored posts on highly authoritative sites.

• The most frowned upon forms of Parasite SEO could look like flooding Reddit with bots talking about your brand or linking to your website.

How Does Parasite SEO Work?

Parasite SEO works by exploiting the high domain authority of popular websites. Websites with high authority rank better in SERPs, so smaller websites aim to exploit this by getting their content, links, or brand name mentioned on the high authority site.

The Risks of Parasite SEO

The problem with Parasite SEO is that these high-authority sites are able to publish low-quality content and still win rankings, which is not good for anyone.

While Parasite SEO may offer short-term gains, it comes with significant risks. Search engines like Google have sophisticated algorithms to detect and penalize black hat SEO tactics, including Parasite SEO.

Search Engine Penalties

When a site is penalized, it can lose its ranking in search engine results. This can lead to a significant drop in traffic and, consequently, revenue.

In severe cases, a site may be completely removed from the search engine's index. This means it will not appear in search results at all.

Impact on Brand and User Trust

Parasite SEO can also damage a brand's reputation and erode user trust. Users who are directed to low-quality or irrelevant content may associate this negative experience with the brand.

Conclusion

As the digital landscape evolves, so do SEO tactics. No matter how you feel ethically, Parasite SEO is not a good long-term strategy. As search engines continue to refine their algorithms, black hat tactics like Parasite SEO are likely to become less and less effective.

Prioritizing user experience and value will always be a better choice.