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{"id":2742,"date":"2024-01-12T04:51:06","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T08:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/?p=2742"},"modified":"2025-08-26T08:16:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T12:16:18","slug":"dealing-with-troublesome-websites-how-to-handle-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/dealing-with-troublesome-websites-how-to-handle-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with Troublesome Websites &#8211; How to Handle Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"flex-1 overflow-hidden\">\n<div class=\"react-scroll-to-bottom--css-szlcd-79elbk h-full\">\n<div class=\"react-scroll-to-bottom--css-szlcd-1n7m0yu\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col pb-9 text-sm\">\n<div class=\"w-full text-token-text-primary\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-75\">\n<div class=\"px-4 py-2 justify-center text-base md:gap-6 m-auto\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-1 text-base mx-auto gap-3 md:px-5 lg:px-1 xl:px-5 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem] group final-completion\">\n<div class=\"relative flex w-full flex-col lg:w-[calc(100%-115px)] agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\">\n<div class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3bce9054-be42-4637-b07e-6591373efda3\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p>It&#8217;s astonishing how many clients visit my office with websites crafted by so-called &#8216;web designers&#8217; that offer little to no value for the customers. You&#8217;re familiar with the type \u2013 sites lacking real content, devoid of any &#8216;Call to Actions,&#8217; and ultimately ineffective in generating revenue or leads. These sites merely occupy cyber-space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them.png\" rel=\"lightbox[2742]\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-2843\" src=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"585\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<div class=\"flex-1 overflow-hidden\">\n<div class=\"react-scroll-to-bottom--css-szlcd-79elbk h-full\">\n<div class=\"react-scroll-to-bottom--css-szlcd-1n7m0yu\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col pb-9 text-sm\">\n<div class=\"w-full text-token-text-primary\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-77\">\n<div class=\"px-4 py-2 justify-center text-base md:gap-6 m-auto\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-1 text-base mx-auto gap-3 md:px-5 lg:px-1 xl:px-5 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem] group final-completion\">\n<div class=\"relative flex w-full flex-col lg:w-[calc(100%-115px)] agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\">\n<div class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"dd7c48e1-4765-4371-a525-f23baa95f3ee\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p>Recently, a prospect presented their website to me. After a quick assessment, I pointed out that the site attracts minimal traffic, lacks orders, and is essentially a financial drain. The homepage featured no text or products, offering no clarity on the site&#8217;s offerings. Designed in frames, with identical page titles, and nearly non-existent search engine-friendly navigation \u2013 it was evident that improvements were crucial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex-1 overflow-hidden\">\n<div class=\"react-scroll-to-bottom--css-szlcd-79elbk h-full\">\n<div class=\"react-scroll-to-bottom--css-szlcd-1n7m0yu\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col pb-9 text-sm\">\n<div class=\"w-full text-token-text-primary\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-79\">\n<div class=\"px-4 py-2 justify-center text-base md:gap-6 m-auto\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-1 text-base mx-auto gap-3 md:px-5 lg:px-1 xl:px-5 md:max-w-3xl lg:max-w-[40rem] xl:max-w-[48rem] group final-completion\">\n<div class=\"relative flex w-full flex-col lg:w-[calc(100%-115px)] agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\">\n<div class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ed7f59ec-0623-40a3-bf0e-3ddee84001c6\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p>Where does the blame lie? Is it the prospect&#8217;s responsibility, or should they be expected to know better? On the other hand, not all web designers are well-versed in search engine optimization, given the absence of certification requirements for web designers. The prospect invested $y and y hours into the site, yet it yields no results. Expressing my frustration, I&#8217;m likely not alone in this sentiment. What proactive measures can we take? While SEMPO aims to educate, is additional certification needed?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"139\" data-end=\"495\">In the digital age, not every website you encounter will be safe, reliable, or user-friendly. From <strong data-start=\"238\" data-end=\"260\">malicious websites<\/strong> filled with malware to <strong data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"309\">poorly designed sites<\/strong> that frustrate users, troublesome websites are everywhere. Knowing how to handle them is crucial for both <strong data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"434\">everyday users<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"458\">business owners<\/strong> who manage their own web presence.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 480px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-2742-1\" width=\"480\" height=\"720\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them.mp4\">https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Dealing-with-Troublesome-Websites-How-to-Handle-Them.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<h4 data-start=\"502\" data-end=\"543\">1. What Makes a Website Troublesome?<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"544\" data-end=\"640\">A \u201ctroublesome\u201d website can mean different things depending on context. Common issues include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"902\">\n<li data-start=\"641\" data-end=\"710\">\n<p data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"710\"><strong data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"661\">Security risks<\/strong> (malware, phishing attempts, unsafe downloads)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"774\">\n<p data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"774\"><strong data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"741\">Excessive ads or pop-ups<\/strong> disrupting the user experience<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"775\" data-end=\"824\">\n<p data-start=\"777\" data-end=\"824\"><strong data-start=\"777\" data-end=\"800\">Slow loading speeds<\/strong> and broken navigation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"867\">\n<p data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"867\"><strong data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"865\">Outdated or inaccurate information<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"902\">\n<p data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"902\"><strong data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"900\">Poor mobile responsiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"904\" data-end=\"1020\">Whether it\u2019s unsafe or simply frustrating, these issues harm both <strong data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"979\">users<\/strong> and the <strong data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1017\">website\u2019s SEO performance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1080\">2. For Users: How to Handle Troublesome Websites<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1169\">If you land on a suspicious or poorly performing site, here\u2019s how to protect yourself:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1492\">\n<li data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1242\">\n<p data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1242\"><strong data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1192\">Check security<\/strong>: Look for HTTPS and a lock icon in the browser.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1308\">\n<p data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1308\"><strong data-start=\"1247\" data-end=\"1282\">Use antivirus\/antimalware tools<\/strong> to block harmful sites.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1309\" data-end=\"1359\">\n<p data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1359\"><strong data-start=\"1313\" data-end=\"1356\">Avoid clicking shady links or downloads<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1420\">\n<p data-start=\"1362\" data-end=\"1420\"><strong data-start=\"1364\" data-end=\"1385\">Leave immediately<\/strong> if the site looks untrustworthy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1492\">\n<p data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1492\"><strong data-start=\"1425\" data-end=\"1451\">Use browser extensions<\/strong> (like ad blockers) for safer browsing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1555\">3. For Website Owners: Fixing Your Troublesome Site<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1635\">If your own website is troublesome to users, it\u2019s time to act. Steps include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"2088\">\n<li data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1720\">\n<p data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1720\"><strong data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1661\">Improve security<\/strong>: Add SSL certificates and keep software\/plugins updated.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1721\" data-end=\"1816\">\n<p data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1816\"><strong data-start=\"1726\" data-end=\"1758\">Enhance user experience (UX)<\/strong>: Simplify design, fix broken links, and reduce pop-ups.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1904\">\n<p data-start=\"1819\" data-end=\"1904\"><strong data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1843\">Boost performance<\/strong>: Optimize images, enable caching, and use a reliable host.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"1978\">\n<p data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1978\"><strong data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1933\">Mobile optimization<\/strong>: Ensure responsive design for all devices.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2088\">\n<p data-start=\"1981\" data-end=\"2088\"><strong data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2003\">Audit regularly<\/strong>: Use tools like Google Search Console, GTmetrix, or SEMrush to catch issues early.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2137\">4. SEO Impact of Troublesome Websites<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2250\">Search engines penalize websites that frustrate users or compromise security. Common negative effects include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2370\">\n<li data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2276\">\n<p data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2276\">Lower search rankings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2300\">\n<p data-start=\"2279\" data-end=\"2300\">Higher bounce rates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2301\" data-end=\"2334\">\n<p data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2334\">Loss of trust and credibility<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2370\">\n<p data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2370\">Reduced conversions and revenue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2494\">By addressing issues early, you not only improve user experience but also strengthen your <strong data-start=\"2462\" data-end=\"2491\">SEO and online reputation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2517\" data-end=\"2847\">Troublesome websites can be a nightmare for both visitors and owners. But with the right precautions and proactive maintenance, they can be avoided or fixed. For users, safety tools and awareness are key. For website owners, prioritizing <strong data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2789\">security, speed, and usability<\/strong> ensures your site remains trustworthy and SEO-friendly.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2940\">A smooth, safe, and optimized website isn\u2019t just good for users \u2014 it\u2019s good for business.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-1 flex justify-start gap-3 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-gray-400 flex self-end lg:self-center justify-center lg:justify-start mt-0 -ml-1 visible\">\n<div class=\"flex\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1.5 text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-full pt-2 md:pt-0 dark:border-white\/20 md:border-transparent md:dark:border-transparent md:w-[calc(100%-.5rem)]\">\n<form class=\"stretch mx-2 flex flex-row gap-3 last:mb-2 md:mx-4 md:last:mb-6 lg:mx-auto lg:max-w-2xl xl:max-w-3xl\">\n<div class=\"relative flex h-full flex-1 items-stretch md:flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full items-center\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-1 flex justify-start gap-3 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-gray-400 flex self-end lg:self-center justify-center lg:justify-start mt-0 -ml-1 visible\">\n<div class=\"flex\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1.5 text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-full pt-2 md:pt-0 dark:border-white\/20 md:border-transparent md:dark:border-transparent md:w-[calc(100%-.5rem)]\">\n<form class=\"stretch mx-2 flex flex-row gap-3 last:mb-2 md:mx-4 md:last:mb-6 lg:mx-auto lg:max-w-2xl xl:max-w-3xl\">\n<div class=\"relative flex h-full flex-1 items-stretch md:flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full items-center\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mt-1 flex justify-start gap-3 empty:hidden\">\n<div class=\"text-gray-400 flex self-end lg:self-center justify-center lg:justify-start mt-0 -ml-1 visible\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"flex\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-1.5 text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-full pt-2 md:pt-0 dark:border-white\/20 md:border-transparent md:dark:border-transparent md:w-[calc(100%-.5rem)]\">\n<form class=\"stretch mx-2 flex flex-row gap-3 last:mb-2 md:mx-4 md:last:mb-6 lg:mx-auto lg:max-w-2xl xl:max-w-3xl\">\n<div class=\"relative flex h-full flex-1 items-stretch md:flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full items-center\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s astonishing how many clients visit my office with websites crafted by so-called &#8216;web designers&#8217; that offer little to no value for the customers. You&#8217;re familiar with the type \u2013 sites lacking real content, devoid of any &#8216;Call to Actions,&#8217; and ultimately ineffective in generating revenue or leads. These sites merely occupy cyber-space. Recently, a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2742"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2845,"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2742\/revisions\/2845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.searchenginegenie.com\/blog-seo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}