A gateway page, also known as a doorway page, is a webpage specifically designed to target a particular keyword or phrase, with the primary purpose of funneling users to a different, more relevant page on the website.
Often used as an SEO tactic, gateway pages aim to rank highly on search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific search queries. Below, we will explain the concept of gateway pages, their use in SEO, and the ethical considerations surrounding their implementation.
Gateway Pages and SEO
Attracting Targeted Traffic
Gateway pages are created to attract targeted traffic from search engines by focusing on specific keywords or phrases. These pages serve as an entry point for users and are designed to direct them to the main website or a more relevant page.
For example, a company selling shoes might create gateway pages for different types of shoes, each targeting a specific keyword, such as “running shoes” or “formal shoes,” and redirecting users to the appropriate product category on the main website.
Improved Search Engine Rankings
By targeting specific keywords and phrases, gateway pages can improve a website’s search engine rankings for those terms. The higher a page ranks on SERPs, the more likely it is to attract users searching for that particular keyword or phrase. This article by Search Engine Journal discusses the role of gateway pages in SEO and their impact on search rankings.
Ethical Considerations
While gateway pages can potentially boost search engine rankings and drive targeted traffic, they can also be seen as a manipulative SEO technique. Google, in particular, has taken a strong stance against the use of gateway pages, as they can create a poor user experience and be considered spammy. In its Webmaster Guidelines, Google explicitly states that creating doorway pages is a violation of its guidelines and may result in penalties or removal from the search index.
Alternatives to Gateway Pages
Instead of using gateway pages, consider these more ethical and effective SEO tactics:
Create High-Quality, Relevant Content
Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. By providing valuable information and resources, your website will naturally attract users and improve its search engine rankings. Moz’s guide on content marketing provides a comprehensive overview of how to create and promote quality content.
Optimize On-Page SEO
Optimize your website’s on-page SEO by incorporating targeted keywords and phrases within the content, meta tags, URLs, and headers. This will improve your website’s relevancy for specific search queries and help boost its search engine rankings. Neil Patel’s blog post offers an in-depth guide on optimizing on-page SEO.
Build High-Quality Backlinks
High-quality backlinks from authoritative sources can significantly improve your website’s search engine rankings. Focus on creating valuable content that others will want to link to and engage in outreach efforts to build relationships with influencers and industry peers. Backlinko’s article on link building provides valuable insights and strategies for building high-quality backlinks.
In conclusion, while gateway pages may offer a potential boost to search engine rankings and targeted traffic, they are considered a manipulative SEO tactic and can result in penalties from search engines, particularly Google.
Instead, focus on ethical SEO strategies, such as creating high-quality content, optimizing on-page SEO, and building high-quality backlinks to improve your website’s search engine performance and attract the right audience.