The best definition of Black Hat SEO we have seen in given by Webopedia:
Webopedia did an awesome job with the definition of White Hat SEO as well:
Here is a chart from Diffen.com showing showing Black Hat SEO vs White Hat SEO
In search engine optimization (SEO) terminology, Black Hat SEO refers to the use of aggressive SEO strategies, techniques and tactics that focus only on search engines and not a human audience, and usually does not obey search engines rules. Some examples of Black Hat SEO techniques include keyword stuffing, invisible text and doorway pages. Black Hat SEO is more frequently used by those who are looking for a quick financial return on their Web site, rather than a long-term investment on their Web site. Black Hat SEO can possibly result in your Web site being banned from a search engine, however since the focus is usually on quick high return business models, most experts who use Black Hat SEO tactics consider being banned from search engines a somewhat irrelevant risk. Black Hat SEO may also be referred to as Unethical SEO or just spamdexing, as spamdexing is a typical frequently used Black Hat SEO practice.As mentioned, some BLACK HAT SEO TECHNIQUES are: (a) Hidden Content, where in the code of the website or blog there is content stuffed with keywords, this content can not be seen by the person visiting the site (b) Meta Keyword Stuffing, where two Meta tags are usually used to tell search engines like Google about the content on a web page. (c)Inproper Use of Links, where online marketers post massive amounts of links on blogs, other websites, forums, etc to build strength in Search Engines and (d)Doorway or Gateway Pages, better explained in TOP 5 WHITE HAT AND BLACK HAT SEARCH OPTIMISATION TECHNIQUES by Roy Wilding of Pushon.co.uk
Webopedia did an awesome job with the definition of White Hat SEO as well:
In search engine optimization (SEO) terminology, White Hat SEO refers to the usage of SEO strategies, techniques and tactics that focus on a human audience opposed to search engines and completely follows search engine rules and policies. For example, a Web site that is SEO optimized, yet focuses on relevancy and organic ranking is considered to be optimized using White Hat SEO practices. Some examples of White Hat SEO techniques include using keywords and keyword analysis, backlinking, link building to improve link popularity, and writing content for human readers White Hat SEO is more frequently used by those who intend to make a long-term investment on their Web site. Also called Ethical SEO.There is no Right or Wrong choice. In reality both exsist! Before thinking that White Hat SEO is the best way to go (and it probably is) read an article by Dr. Pete on SEOMOZ.org called Black Hat or White Hat SEO? It's Time to Ask Better Questions. Many developers use Black Hat tactics to show some kind of interest in a blog for the purpose of selling it. Many sellers on Flippa have mastered this art. White Hat Techniques generally longer focused plans.
Here is a chart from Diffen.com showing showing Black Hat SEO vs White Hat SEO
Hope this was helpful,
The PushYourRank Team
Author: Nicholas Coriano
About The Author: Nicholas Coriano is an Entrepreneur, Web Developer, Social Media Marketer, SEO Consultant and the founder of this blog and The NewYorkWebsiteDesignCenter.com. While developing websites for his own businesses and marketing his entrepreneurial ventures online, he began blogging useful tips and "how-to" articles on PushYourRank.com for reference purposes. To retain Nicholas for help with your Website, Social Media, SEO or other online/technology needs, email PushYourRank@Gmail.com
About PushYourRank.com: PushYourRank.com (the Blog) is a blog that helps small businesses, start-ups, developers, amateurs website builders, bloggers and entrepreneurs develop their websites, their social media presence, their search engine optimization techniques and more ....online. The Blog publishes articles about Ecommerce, Email Marketing and How To Make Money Online...as well as any topic that pertains to the Internet or Online. If you need help developing a website, SEO or Social Media outsourcing, see NewYorkWebsiteDesignCenter.com, if you would like to advertise or have us publish an article on a certain subject, please email us at PushYourRank@Gmail.com