Banned IP and More | Increase Website Traffic

Web Hosting SEO and the New Paradigm

Part 4: Banned IP and More

After having presented a basic consideration of the role of dedicated IP addresses in the SEO equation, we will revisit the subject of IP addresses in an entirely different and yet critical context. The practice of banning IP addresses has been adopted by many web masters, forum administrators and discussion list moderators alike and has been gaining momentum as a part of their overall effort to maintain decorum and order.

You can probably live with it. However, what happens if a major search engine bans your IP address? The consequences can be disastrous and near-fatal especially if your web site is your only way of generating income and monetizing your Internet investment.

Why do Search Engines Ban IP Addresses

The reasons why the search engines ban IP addresses aren't few and far between. The end result, however, is that your web site ceases to be featured in the results pages of the search engines. Some of the reasons why the search engines take such drastic measures are as follows:

• Using unethical SEO techniques to gain prominence on the result pages also known as Black Hat SEO

• Pursuing fraudulent, illegal or criminal activity through the use of your web site

• Spreading malice and hatred specially of an ethnic or racial nature

• Spamming other web sites

• Using e-mail to spam the Inboxes of search engine mailing services such as Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo Mail

• Violating international and national statutes and policies that govern Internet usage and support fair use and best practices

• Using bots and automated tools that hamper the stability and performance of the search engines

Banned for No Fault of Yours

When you acquire a dedicated IP address from your web hosting company, there is always a remote possibility that the IP address was abandoned by the previous owner for reasons that were not too complimentary and were perhaps less than honorable. The IP address could also be on a Watch List for past dubious behavior. It is precisely for this reason that you should thoroughly research your dedicated IP address prior to paying for it. Conduct a frank and open discussion with your web hosting company prior to acquiring the dedicated IP address. If you happen to find that the web hosting company isn't too forthcoming, take your business elsewhere. Remember, it is a buyer's market out there and you are under no obligation to purchase something without being fully convinced.

Researching and Monitoring your Dedicated IP address

Monitoring your IP address is not a one-time affair but an ongoing activity. There are a number of tools and services on the Internet which can help you to do so. For instance, you can visit the following web sites to check the status of the IP address just in case it has been black listed:

http://3d2f.com/tags/banned/ip/list

http://recs.fraudwatchers.org/banips.php

Remember, however, that no list is ever complete and you just might have to check multiple lists. You can also visit http://DNSstuff.com to supplement your research efforts.

Doing Away with Banned IP Addresses

If you are experiencing major difficulties in achieving top SERP rankings in spite of all your best white hat SEO efforts that are 100% ethical, go back to the drawing boards and check your IP address. Perhaps there is a problem in that realm. Correct it and watch your rankings soar in no time.

About the Author

Naveen Kapur is a senior SEO and SEM consultant with more than ten years of core experience in multimedia and graphic design, website optimization and Internet marketing. He helps organizations achieve their corporate objectives by building an online presence on the Internet.