# SEO is still alive. Recent Google algorithm adjustments like Panda and Penguin have led some in the digital industry to declare that SEO is no longer effective. According to the widespread consensus, it's becoming more difficult to manipulate your way to the top of page 1. Most of this is correct. Websites that use "Black Hat" SEO techniques have been mitigated, penalised, and in some cases even blacklisted by Google. The usage of "hidden text" (white text on a white background), "cloaking" (displaying different information to Googlebot and actual users), and "[link](https://styleyourname.com) spam" (acquiring a large number of links from low-quality websites) all used to be somewhat effective. not anymore, really. Does this mean that SEO is no longer effective? REI, an online seller of outdoor clothing and equipment, employs in-house SEO Jonathon Colman. "Unfortunately, I can't say that Black Hat SEO is dead or even dying," he says. Perhaps a better way to put it is that search engines are now more likely than ever to reward White Hat SEO and inbound marketing, which genuinely attract attention and receive praise by assisting users in reaching their objectives (both online and off). He continues, "SEO should be, or is, a basic component of every content strategy. In addition to ensuring that content complies with search engine webmaster guidelines, content strategists are well-positioned to plan for and produce content that builds brands rather than merely using keywords. For success in the search results, it is more crucial than ever to abide by Google's quality guidelines and stay away from any known SEO ploys. Google even offers a list of SEO strategies to steer clear of. Written by: [Name Style](https://styleyourname.com) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://meris-organization.gitbook.io/blog-4/seo-is-still-alive..md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.