Definition
SAPE (sape.ru) is a Russian platform founded in 2006 that enables automated buying and selling of links between websites. The system works as a network where publishers install a code on their site that automatically displays links to the sites of advertisers who purchase them. Links are typically placed in footers, sidebars, or automatically generated text blocks. SAPE has been one of the world's largest link-selling networks, with hundreds of thousands of participating sites. Google and Yandex have widely penalized sites using SAPE because the network is easily detectable: links appear and disappear dynamically, are placed in non-editorial areas, and network sites share identifiable technical patterns (JavaScript code, IPs, link structures). SAPE represents a textbook case of the risks associated with automated link building. Modern alternatives prioritize contextual editorial links manually placed within relevant content.
Key Points
- SAPE is one of the oldest and largest automated link-selling networks in the world
- SAPE links are easily detectable by Google and Yandex via their technical patterns
- Using SAPE almost systematically results in an algorithmic or manual penalty
- Contextual editorial links placed manually are the recommended modern alternative
Practical Examples
SAPE links in footer
A Russian site installs the SAPE code and sees dozens of links automatically appear in its footer pointing to casino, pharmacy, and other YMYL sites. The links change regularly based on current purchases.
Detection by Google
During a link audit, an SEO discovers that 80% of their client's backlinks come from SAPE network sites. The links are placed in identical text blocks across hundreds of sites, a pattern Google detects and systematically penalizes.
Migration to editorial link building
A site penalized for SAPE usage disavows all network links via Google Disavow Tool and rebuilds its backlink profile with editorial articles on thematic sites via a link building platform like LemmiLink.
Frequently Asked Questions
SAPE still exists but its effectiveness for Google SEO is virtually zero. Google systematically detects and penalizes network links. SAPE remains marginally used for Yandex SEO in Russian-speaking markets, but even Yandex has strengthened its detection. Serious SEO practitioners have migrated to editorial solutions.
Indicators include: blocks of links in the footer or sidebar unrelated to the site's theme, links that change regularly (appearing/disappearing), the presence of SAPE-specific JavaScript code in the source code, and an abnormally diverse thematic outgoing link profile.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07