What is a Doorway Page?
A doorway page is a web page that is created specifically to rank highly in search engine results pages (SERPs) for certain queries. These pages are often created to ‘capture’ traffic from particular search queries, and direct it to a specific website or webpage. Doorway pages are usually created with the intention of manipulating a search engine’s algorithm, and are generally considered to be unethical and in violation of search engine guidelines.
How Do Doorway Pages Work?
Doorway pages are designed to be indexed by search engines and appear as relevant results for a search query. The content of the page is usually very thin and targeted to a specific keyword, and the page is usually designed to redirect visitors to another page. This other page may be a landing page, or a page with more relevant content.
Examples of Doorway Pages
Doorway pages can be quite varied in their design, but some of the most common examples include:
- Pages with only a few words and links to other pages.
- Pages that are stuffed with keywords and links to other pages.
- Duplicate pages with different URLs.
- Pages with hidden text and links.
- Pages that redirect to another page.
Why are Doorway Pages Unethical?
Doorway pages are unethical because they are designed to manipulate search engine algorithms for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage. This practice is in violation of most search engine guidelines, and can result in search engine penalties or even removal from the index.
Conclusion
Doorway pages are webpages designed to manipulate search engine algorithms and appear as relevant results for certain queries. They are unethical and in violation of search engine guidelines, and can result in search engine penalties or removal from the index. It is important to avoid creating or using doorway pages when trying to optimize a website for search engines.