Private Blog Network: What is PBN & How Can You Build One?
A private blog network (short: PBN) consists of several domains, which are usually owned by a webmaster. These websites or blogs aim to improve the link structure of another website through topic-relevant links .
How to create a private blog network?
A private blog network should be well planned, suggestions:
- New domains or expired domains? A new domain requires trust, this is done by building backlinks and other signals. However, it is also possible to set up a PBN using expired domains. The advantage of expired domains is the fact that it is faster to build up a good ranking with the help of expired domains. The disadvantage is or was the high average cost of buying a domain
- Whois information of a domain: Note that the registries of the domains provide Whois information. Interlinked domains with the same owner attract attention. Some domain providers offer Whois protection here
- IP Address : A PBN hosted on the same IP address is also easy to spot
- Imprint: Numerous webmasters decide to “hide” information in the imprint in the form of an image. An imprint, but also the data protection declaration, are characteristics of reputable sites
- Design: Do not always use the same template/design or system for building a PBN
- Analytics & Google accounts: Managing the PBN with an analytics or Google account is also a pitfall
- Scripts: Pay attention to different IDs when installing scripts (tracking, advertising, etc.).
- Content: When creating content, pay attention to content with added value, avoid article spinning . The image material should not only consist of stock photos.
- Links: Be careful not to link to your project with every domain from your PBN. Outbound links should be embedded in the content and the number of outbound links should also be taken into account. Topic relevance is another advantage here.
- Love: Give each of your projects enough "love" so that a user does not recognize at first glance that it is part of a PBN
Disadvantages of PBN
Google can recognize PBNs through the Google Penguin algorithm . A PBN violates Google's policies and Black Hat SEO practices. There can be a penalty for the PBN but also for your own project.
Don't underestimate the cost of registering or buying domains, running hosting, and ongoing maintenance. Furthermore, a PBN network also wants to be constantly provided with new articles, backlinks, etc.
Running your own private blog network also has disadvantages. Below we have listed the main disadvantages:
We operate several company pages
It is not uncommon for a company to run multiple websites at the same time. These can also link to each other. However, you should be careful not to link to each other with optimized anchor texts. It looks unnatural when website A links to B with the anchor "loan". Use natural links for this, also in the form of a logo/image.
Conclusion on PBN
It can, but doesn't have to, work! Operating a PBN involves risks and enormous effort in the form of working hours or costs. In niche areas you can definitely achieve success with it or use it for link exchange. We rather recommend taking care of your actual project, providing content with added value and relying on sustainable search engine optimization .