Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization, gaining access to genuine, unfiltered insights from a seasoned veteran is akin to finding a treasure map. Most content is polished, sanitized, and stripped of its most potent, controversial, and effective strategies. This is where the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation shatters the mold. Recorded at the infamous Ungagged conference—an event known for its no-holds-barred, candid talks—this presentation is a raw, uncut look into the advanced tactics Jerry West and his team used to dominate one of the most competitive niches online. This isn’t another beginner’s guide fluff piece; it’s a masterclass in aggressive, results-driven SEO. If you’re tired of the same old recycled advice and are ready to explore the strategies that truly move the needle, this presentation offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Prepare to dive deep into the world of Private Blog Networks (PBNs), aggressive competitor analysis, and the nuanced art of building authoritative assets from scratch, all delivered with the brutal honesty that made Ungagged a legendary event.
Course Description
The Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is a recorded session from the exclusive Ungagged conference in London. Unlike typical online courses, this is a capture of a live event, preserving the energy, spontaneity, and candid Q&A that made it so special. Jerry West, alongside Mark Wardi, pulls back the curtain on their operational playbook, sharing real-world case studies and hard-won lessons from managing a portfolio of sites that secured 13 #1 rankings. The presentation is structured around a series of powerful, actionable case studies, including the incredible story of ranking a hyphenated .info domain and the legal ramifications of an overly aggressive competitor attack. The teaching style is direct, technical, and unapologetically focused on what works, rather than what’s textbook-approved. It’s a must-watch for any SEO professional looking to add powerful, albeit sometimes controversial, weapons to their arsenal.
This course is not for the faint of heart or those seeking a step-by-step, hand-holding experience. It’s a dense, information-packed session designed for intermediate to advanced practitioners who already understand the fundamentals of SEO. The value lies not just in the “what” but in the “why” and the “how,” as Jerry explains the reasoning behind his decisions, the metrics he trusts, and the pitfalls to avoid. The Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is a time capsule of powerful strategies that remain relevant, offering a foundational understanding of aggressive SEO that can be adapted to today’s algorithmic landscape.
Ideal Student
- Intermediate to Advanced SEO Specialists: Professionals who have a solid grasp of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO and are looking to learn advanced, aggressive tactics to gain a competitive edge.
- SEO Agency Owners: Individuals managing client portfolios in competitive niches who need actionable strategies to deliver exceptional results and are comfortable operating in a grey-hat space.
- Affiliate Marketers: Those who build and rank niche sites to generate revenue and want to learn how to leverage PBNs and other powerful link-building techniques effectively and safely.
- SEO Professionals Exploring PBNs: Individuals who are curious about or currently using Private Blog Networks and want to learn from a real-world case study on how to build, manage, and leverage them for maximum impact.
- Marketers Seeking Unfiltered Knowledge: Anyone tired of generic, “white-hat-only” advice who wants a candid, no-BS look at what it truly takes to rank in the toughest industries online.
Learning Outcomes
- Master the process of identifying, evaluating, and acquiring high-quality expired domains for a powerful and effective Private Blog Network (PBN).
- Learn which domain and link metrics (e.g., Domain Authority, Trust Flow) are genuinely valuable for PBNs and which popular metrics you can safely ignore.
- Develop the ability to rank even non-traditional, “weaker” domains (like a hyphenated .info) through the strategic application of powerful link networks.
- Understand the critical nuances of Click-Through Rate (CTR) optimization and how to address weak CTR issues that can undermine your ranking efforts.
- Gain insights into aggressive competitor analysis, including the risks involved, and learn how to handle legal threats like Cease & Desist orders.
- Formulate a long-term strategy for transitioning from PBN-reliant sites to building a strong, brandable domain that can stand on its own.
Course Modules
The Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is structured as a single, comprehensive presentation that flows through several interconnected modules. Each section builds upon the last, providing a complete picture of Jerry’s advanced SEO ecosystem. Below is a detailed breakdown of the core modules and the critical knowledge you’ll gain from each.
Module 1: The .info Domain Case Study – Defying the Odds
This module opens with one of the most compelling stories in the presentation: how Jerry’s team managed to rank a hyphenated .info domain to the #1 position in a competitive space. This is a masterclass in proving that with the right strategy, perceived domain weaknesses can be completely overcome. Jerry dissects the entire process, from initial domain selection to the final push to the top spot. You’ll learn that content and on-page optimization are only one part of the equation; the real magic lies in the power of the backlink profile. This module sets the stage for the rest of the presentation by demonstrating the sheer force of a well-executed off-page strategy.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding why Google doesn’t inherently penalize TLDs like .info, despite common misconceptions.
- The strategic role a PBN plays in overwhelming any domain-related disadvantages.
- How to structure anchor text and link flow to a “money site” that starts from a point of weakness.
- Why topical relevance from your PBN is more critical than raw domain authority.
Module 2: Diagnosing and Solving Weak Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Ranking #1 is meaningless if nobody clicks on your link. In this insightful module, Jerry addresses a common but often-overlooked problem: a high-ranking page with a disappointingly low CTR. He walks through his diagnostic process for identifying the root cause, whether it’s an unappealing title tag, a boring meta description, or a lack of SERP features like rich snippets. The Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation provides practical, actionable advice on how to A/B test titles and descriptions to find the winning combination that maximizes organic traffic. This module bridges the gap between technical SEO and user psychology, a crucial skill for any modern SEO professional.
Key takeaways include:
- Tools and techniques for accurately measuring your organic CTR for different keywords.
- Psychological triggers to incorporate into your title tags and meta descriptions to compel clicks.
- The importance of brand name inclusion in titles and how it affects CTR.
- How to leverage Schema markup to earn rich snippets, which dramatically increase visibility and CTR.
Module 3: Aggressive Competitor Analysis – The C&D Story
Perhaps the most candid and unique part of the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation, this module is a cautionary tale and a case study rolled into one. Jerry recounts a time when he got “too aggressive” in analyzing and attacking a competitor’s backlink profile, resulting in a Cease & Desist (C&D) letter. He doesn’t shy away from the details, explaining exactly what he did and why it crossed a line. More importantly, he shares the precise steps he took to make the legal threat “go away” without costly litigation. This module is an invaluable lesson in SEO risk management, ethical boundaries, and how to handle high-pressure situations.
Key takeaways include:
- Differentiating between ethical competitive analysis and actions that could be perceived as harassment or hacking.
- Understanding the legal vulnerabilities of your own SEO activities and how to protect yourself.
- A step-by-step guide to responding to legal threats, including how to communicate with legal counsel.
- How to achieve competitive intelligence goals without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
Module 4: The Art of Building a Brandable Domain
After relying on PBNs, the next logical step is to build a brand that can sustain its own authority. In this module, Jerry outlines his strategy for transitioning from a PBN-powered asset to a true brandable domain. This is about future-proofing your business and reducing reliance on risky tactics. He discusses the signals that Google looks for in a brand, from consistent branding across the web to the development of a strong E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) profile. This section is crucial for anyone looking to build a long-term, sustainable online asset that can weather algorithm updates.
Key takeaways include:
- The criteria for selecting a great brandable domain name that is memorable and marketable.
- How to systematically build brand signals through social media profiles, press releases, and brand mentions.
- The role of content marketing and thought leadership in establishing E-A-T.
- Strategies for gradually reducing PBN dependency as your site’s own authority grows.
Module 5: PBN Domain Acquisition – Where to Look
The foundation of any great PBN is the quality of its domains. In this foundational module, Jerry reveals his secret sources for finding high-powered expired domains. He goes beyond the obvious public auction houses and shares the lesser-known marketplaces and tools where the real gems are often found. He explains the pros and cons of different acquisition methods, from domain auctions to private deals. This is a practical, treasure-hunting guide that will change the way you look for PBN domains, saving you time and money while dramatically improving the quality of your network.
Key takeaways include:
- A curated list of the best places to find expired domains with powerful backlinks.
- How to set up alerts and systems to be notified of high-quality domains the moment they become available.
- The art of negotiating for domains in private sales to get the best possible price.
- Why avoiding public, spammed-out lists of expired domains is critical for your network’s health.
Module 6: PBN Domain Vetting – Which Metrics to Use and Ignore
Not all expired domains are created equal. In this data-driven module, Jerry cuts through the noise and tells you exactly which domain metrics you should be paying attention to and, just as importantly, which ones are popular but essentially useless. He compares the major SEO tools—Moz, Ahrefs, Majestic—and explains which metrics from each tool hold the most weight for PBN purposes. He teaches you how to analyze a domain’s backlink profile to spot red flags like spammy links or a history of being dropped. This module provides the analytical framework you need to build a safe and powerful PBN.
Key takeaways include:
- A clear hierarchy of the most important metrics (e.g., Trust Flow, referring domains) for evaluating a potential PBN domain.
- Why metrics like Domain Authority (DA) can be misleading and should not be your primary decision-making factor.
- How to use tools like the Wayback Machine to investigate a domain’s past history and ensure it wasn’t previously used for spam.
- The importance of analyzing the quality and relevance of a domain’s existing backlinks, not just the quantity.
Module 7: PBN Setup and Management – Avoiding Footprints
Building the PBN is only half the battle; managing it safely is what separates the pros from the amateurs. In this critical module, Jerry dives into the technical details of setting up and managing a network of sites to avoid leaving footprints that Google could detect. He covers everything from hosting and nameserver diversity to content creation and interlinking strategies. The Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation provides a checklist of best practices that will help you fly under the radar and protect your money sites from any negative repercussions. This is an essential guide to PBN operational security.
Key takeaways include:
- Best practices for hosting diversity, using different C-Class IPs and hosting providers for each PBN site.
- How to manage nameservers and WHOIS information to maintain complete anonymity.
- Strategies for content creation on your PBN sites that look natural and provide value.
- Safe interlinking patterns within your PBN and how to strategically link out to your money sites.
Module 8: Linking Strategies – Powering Your Money Sites
This module brings everything together, focusing on the final goal: using your PBN to rank your money sites. Jerry reveals his advanced linking strategies, including how to craft the perfect anchor text distribution to look natural while still being incredibly effective. He discusses how to “dial in” the power, deciding how many links to point to a page and from where in your network. He also touches on other link-building tactics that complement a PBN, creating a diversified and robust backlink profile that is resilient to algorithm changes. This is the engine that drives the entire system.
Key takeaways include:
- The ideal anchor text ratio for a new campaign versus an established site.
- How to use contextual, homepage, and sitewide links from your PBN for maximum effect.
- The concept of “link velocity” and how to build links at a natural pace.
- How to tier your link-building efforts, using your PBN as a powerful first tier to support other link-building activities.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The strategies taught in the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation are not theoretical; they are born from the trenches of competitive SEO. The most direct application is, of course, the construction and deployment of a Private Blog Network. An SEO agency, for example, could apply these principles to build a controlled link asset for their clients, allowing them to deliver consistent, predictable ranking improvements. This is particularly powerful in niches like payday loans, casino, or supplements, where traditional “white-hat” link building is prohibitively expensive and slow. By learning how to identify high-quality expired domains and manage them safely, an agency can create a significant competitive advantage and a new revenue stream.
Beyond the direct PBN application, the lessons on risk management and brand building are universally applicable. The story of the C&D letter is a powerful lesson for any digital marketer on the importance of operating ethically and understanding the legal landscape of their actions. Many have reported that this single story changed their approach to competitor analysis, making them more effective and, crucially, safer. The module on building a brandable domain provides a roadmap for affiliate marketers and niche site owners who want to evolve their projects into sustainable, long-term businesses. One success story involves an affiliate who used these principles to transition a handful of PBN-reliant sites into a recognized brand in the home improvement space, eventually selling the business for a seven-figure sum. The presentation’s true value lies in these timeless principles of strategic thinking, risk assessment, and long-term vision.
Pricing
Access to the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is offered through a simple, one-time payment model. This provides you with lifetime access to the video recording, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit the material as needed. There are no recurring subscription fees, making it a high-value, low-risk investment in your SEO education.
- One-Time Payment: Gain instant, lifetime access to the full, uncut presentation for a single, straightforward fee. This includes all the case studies, advanced strategies, and candid insights shared at the exclusive Ungagged event.
Your one-time investment unlocks a treasure trove of advanced SEO knowledge that is rarely shared so openly. This includes the detailed breakdown of ranking a difficult domain, the PBN building and management process, and the invaluable lessons on legal risk. It’s a comprehensive resource designed to provide a significant return on investment through improved rankings and a deeper understanding of aggressive SEO.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Advanced, Actionable Tactics: The presentation goes far beyond basic SEO, delivering powerful, grey-hat strategies that can produce dramatic results in competitive niches.
- Real-World Case Studies: The content is based on Jerry’s actual experience, including the successful ranking of a .info domain and a detailed story of handling a legal threat, providing invaluable context.
- Candid and Unfiltered: True to the “Ungagged” spirit, the presentation is honest, direct, and free of the sanitized fluff found in most SEO courses.
- High Value for Cost: The one-time payment grants access to knowledge that is typically reserved for high-priced conferences or private consulting, offering exceptional ROI.
- Focus on PBNs: For those interested in learning about Private Blog Networks, this is one of the most practical and detailed guides available from a proven expert.
- Risk Management Insights: The module on the C&D letter provides a unique and crucial education on the legal and ethical risks of aggressive SEO, which is rarely discussed elsewhere.
Cons
- Dated Content (2017): While the core principles are timeless, some specific tool references or minor algorithm details may have changed since the presentation was recorded.
- Not for Beginners: The material assumes a solid understanding of SEO fundamentals and is not suitable for those just starting their journey.
- Focus on Risky Tactics: The strategies discussed, particularly PBNs, exist in a grey area and carry inherent risk that could lead to penalties if not executed perfectly.
- Production Quality: As a live event recording, the audio and video quality may not match the polished production value of a studio-made online course.
- Niche Focus: The tactics are most applicable to highly competitive, monetization-driven niches (e.g., affiliate, lead gen) and may be less relevant for brand-focused or local SEO strategies.
- Potentially Overwhelming: The density of information and the fast-paced nature of a live presentation can be overwhelming for viewers without a strong technical background.
FAQs
Is the content from the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation still relevant today?
Yes, the core principles and strategies remain highly relevant. While specific tools or minor algorithmic details may have evolved, the fundamental concepts of PBN building, link evaluation, and competitive analysis are timeless. The strategic thinking taught is invaluable.
Is this course suitable for SEO beginners?
No, this presentation is designed for intermediate to advanced SEO practitioners. It assumes you have a solid working knowledge of concepts like backlinks, domains, and on-page SEO. Beginners would likely find the material too advanced and fast-paced.
What format is the course content in?
The course is a single, recorded video presentation from the live Ungagged 2017 event. You get access to the full, uncut video, which you can stream and watch at your convenience.
Are the strategies taught considered black-hat SEO?
The strategies operate in the grey-hat space. While not as overtly manipulative as traditional black-hat tactics, they involve techniques like PBNs that violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines. The presentation emphasizes doing these things safely and ethically where possible.
What if I don’t have a budget to build a PBN?
While a significant portion of the presentation focuses on PBNs, the lessons on brand building, CTR optimization, and risk management are universally applicable. However, to get the full value, an understanding of and interest in PBNs is beneficial.
Is there a refund policy for the presentation?
Given the nature of the digital content and the proprietary strategies shared, access to the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is typically non-refundable once purchased. The value is in the information itself, which cannot be “returned.”
Final Verdict
The Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is a rare and valuable resource for a specific type of SEO professional. It is not a polished, all-encompassing curriculum for the masses. Instead, it is a raw, candid, and intensely practical look into the world of aggressive, results-driven SEO from a battle-tested veteran. Its greatest strength lies in its unfiltered nature and the real-world case studies that anchor the advice in reality. The story of ranking a .info domain and the cautionary tale of the C&D letter are, by themselves, worth the price of admission for the right audience. The detailed breakdown of PBN acquisition, vetting, and management is one of the most straightforward and honest guides you will find on the topic. However, this course is not without its drawbacks. Its 2017 origins mean it’s not cutting-edge, and its focus on grey-hat tactics makes it unsuitable and risky for beginners or those working with sensitive brand clients. The production quality reflects its live-event roots. Ultimately, the final verdict is this: If you are an intermediate or advanced SEO who understands the risks, is comfortable operating in the grey-hat space, and wants to learn powerful, no-BS strategies to dominate competitive niches, this presentation is an absolute must-watch. It’s a masterclass in strategic, aggressive SEO that will provide you with a new lens through which to view search engine marketing. If you are a beginner or strictly a white-hat practitioner, you should look elsewhere. For its intended audience, the Jerry West – 2017 Ungagged SEO Presentation is a 5/5 star investment in your professional development.
