Asheville SEO Firm Warns of Risky Marketing Tactics “`

Asheville, North Carolina, January 10, 2025 – Integris Design, a leading digital marketing agency, warns of unethical SEO practices endangering small businesses. Some agencies employ Private Blog Networks (PBNs)—a black-hat SEO tactic to manipulate search engine rankings—risking clients’ online visibility.

“Many small businesses unknowingly participate in a risky game between SEO firms and Google®,” says Ken Carroll, Integris Design founder. “While PBNs offer short-term gains, they cause long-term damage, including penalties, lost rankings, and even complete removal from search results.”

The Dangers of Private Blog Networks (PBNs)

Private Blog Networks are groups of websites created or bought by SEO agencies to artificially boost client rankings via backlinks. This violates Google’s Webmaster Guidelines and is considered manipulative.

Businesses using PBNs face two negative outcomes:

1. Google Detection: Websites using PBNs risk ranking drops, penalties, or de-indexing.

2. Post-Contract Removal: Agencies controlling PBN links may remove them upon contract termination, severely impacting rankings.

“Small businesses often trust their SEO providers, but some agencies prioritize quick wins over ethical, sustainable strategies,” notes Carroll.

Integris Design’s Ethical SEO Approach

Integris Design uses white-hat SEO, adhering to Google’s guidelines for lasting results. This includes:

Organically building backlinks through high-quality content.
Optimizing website structure and user experience for improved performance and rankings.
Utilizing local SEO strategies to help businesses stand out in competitive markets like Asheville, NC.

“We help small businesses achieve sustainable growth without harming their reputation or search engine visibility,” adds Carroll. “Ethical SEO takes longer but delivers lasting, positive results.”

Resources for Businesses

Integris Design’s guide, “The Dangerous Game of Digital Marketing: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know,” details the risks of black-hat SEO practices like PBNs and offers preventative advice.

For the full guide and information on Integris Design’s SEO services, visit [Link Removed]

About Integris Design

Integris Design is a full-service Asheville, NC-based design and marketing agency specializing in custom web design, ethical SEO, and digital marketing. Since 2006, the company has helped businesses build their online presence using innovative, sustainable strategies.

Learn more at [Link Removed].