Forum Moderators: phranque
Background Info:
Since I have optimized one of my sites and appeared above a MAJOR competator, I have noticed that he has changed his code to include repeated 'alt' tags of the same set of keywords for every image for the keyword that I am above him. He has also adjusted his 'title' tag to match mine.
On one of my sites, I have some 'spacer.gif' transparent images to hold the shape of a table.
I have been using JavaScript (from hiveware) to disguise my e-mail links from harvesters.
OK, here's my idea. Let me know what you all think.
I have created a JavaScript disguised link using the transparent gif image that will take visitors to my home page. (The image is not a 1x1 px image.) I am planning on placing this script on my homepage just below the body tag and adding an HTML comment saying 'Disguise Keywords to protect from others'. So if this competator grabs this script he inadvertantly places a link on his site directly to my home page.
I know this is a dirty trick, and that it would really pi$$ him off if he found out after leaving it up for a few weeks, but wouldn't it serve him right if he did steal the code?
I'm not sure if he is taking ideas from my code, but I don't mind baiting the hook!
What do you think?
Shak
But I really doubt it. He is not an SEO, he's a business owner that I would bet was quite shocked when my clients site poped up to #2 above him after years of no rank.
He's really full of himself, so I would love to see his face after this! ;o)
(That's assuming that he takes the bait)
Just so you know, not everyone here is a professional SEO or SEM or even a pro webmaster. Some of us started out greener than popeye's spinach and are still a right fair shade of pine.
We are here however because it's the best online pub we've found and we're learning more popping in and out of here than elsewhere.
That may not include your competitor of course, but of equal note is that not everyone here is crystal as to their identity.
Just a nibblet for you to chew on at dinner.
When I need his skilled services, unlike others, I can simply walk in and drop something off to be done within 24 hours or so. His standard turn-around time can range anywhere from 6 months to 6 years. He also charges me substantially less than the norm, and does it via an open invoice...
Sometimes I feel it's best to let a few things slide, and then take full advantage of the rewards that may follow! ;)
My grandfather ran a large farm. There once was a problem with someone regularly stealing fuel from one of the tanks used for refueling equipment. He ran that tank down low and sugared it heavy. The thief soon got his and when he did the whole countryside knew all about it.
Justice.
Was fun to see it stay up for a week before he noticed :)
I once caught a competitor stealing pictures of products we both sold.. well he was hot-linking, not really 'stealing' .. anyway, I changed my pages that used the stolen pics to refer to a new image, and changed the image to a pic that had text "HI I SUCK SO BAD THAT I CANT EVEN HOST MY OWN PICTURES, I HAVE TO STEAL FROM www.widget.com!"
LOL :)
I think this is inevitable in SEO, and I would not call it stealing. (He is just trying (not very good) techniques to improve his ranking on the terms you are beating him at). I'd suggest to focus on being better than him rather than trying to trick him.
Shawn
