Definition
Parasite SEO is a technique that involves publishing optimized content on high-authority platforms (Medium, LinkedIn, Reddit, YouTube, press release sites) to benefit from their domain power and rank quickly in Google. Instead of building your own site's authority, the practitioner exploits that of an already established third-party site. This technique can be used ethically (guest posting, LinkedIn articles) or abusively (spam on open platforms). Google began combating abuse of this technique with its 'site reputation abuse' update in 2024, targeting low-quality third-party content hosted on high-authority sites.
Key Points
- Exploits third-party domain authority for rapid ranking
- Google actively fights abuse with the 'site reputation abuse' policy
- Can be used ethically via quality guest posting
Practical Examples
LinkedIn Pulse article
An SEO consultant publishes an optimized article on LinkedIn Pulse targeting 'best link building platform'. Thanks to the authority of linkedin.com, the article ranks on the first page.
Parasite page on a media outlet
Some major media outlets hosted sponsored sections (coupons, comparisons) that exploited domain authority. Google began penalizing these practices in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Abusive forms are increasingly penalized by Google. The 2024 'site reputation abuse' update specifically targets low-quality content hosted on high-authority sites. Ethical forms (quality guest posting) remain valid.
Invest in building your own site's authority through quality content and link building. The results are more sustainable than relying on third-party platforms you do not control.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07