Cloaking is one of the methods of black hat SEO when different versions of the same page are shown to the search robot and the user.
Readable texts are difficult to optimize for all keywords, so web admins develop two versions of site pages for the user and the robot.
Cloaking is a bit similar to the doorway method. However, it does not use automatic or manual redirection of the user to the desired page, which reduces the likelihood of competitors stealing the optimized page. But creating copies of pages is painstaking work, as it requires the basics of programming and data availability, such as IP or user-agent robots.
The BizzOffers team has selected the top five best platforms for cloaking.
- Keitaro
A tracking service that is currently used for cloaking links. Access to an extensive database of robots is provided – more than 500 thousand IPs. In addition, there are many additional features. Even though the price tag is as loyal as possible and starts at $25 per month, you need to prepare your server to work with Keitaro. The number of domains that can be linked is not limited. The number of clicks on links is unlimited. There are intelligent links.
It has different redirect options (by target, HTTP, JS, iframe), thread rotation, more than 30 built-in filters, its landing page editor, and its API. Keitaro automatically generates timely reports and provides detailed statistics and subsequent data export.
The service can be integrated with any traffic source and various payment models. It has over a hundred templates for working with Facebook, Google, and other exotic platforms, such as Exoclick.
Suitable for solo arbitrators and teams. For collective work, users with different levels of access can be created. Before buying, you can test the trial version, which includes essential functions, for a week.
2. IMKLO
The service has an established database of search robots, IP addresses, and unwanted visitors. Since this is not a cloud service, you will have to raise your server and install the script in the domain’s root. After purchase, you can chat with the developers, to whom you can ask questions.
Available functionality:
- Lifetime subscription – you can buy the application only once you are satisfied with the result of the demo version. As of January 2022, the price was $330. The company also periodically gives discounts of up to 30%;
- Integration with famous trackers, in particular, Keitaro;
- Installation files are purchased directly from the developer;
- Automatic update of databases of IP addresses of bots and moderators — works only when purchasing a license. Information is not updated during the free trial period.
3. Cloak It
A universal cloak suitable for Facebook, Instagram, and Google work, as well as for cloaking web applications. Located on the cloud, accordingly, it is not necessary to install it on a specific server. Easy to use, and you can apply immediately after registration.
Features of the service:
- When switching to a site/resource, there is no delay — thanks to the instant processing of requests, users will not feel slowed down;
- Filtering by IP, user agent, crawler, and other parameters;
- Integration and connection of third-party trackers;
- A/B testing;
- Own a database of robots and other unwanted users;
- The price is $60 for one advertising campaign, $120 for 10, and unlimited for $240. You can save 50% with a discount if you buy an annual subscription.
4. Adspect
The service has its cloaca and tracker. Works when cloaking links on Facebook, Google, TikTok, and other services. It can also hide manual link checks in PCs and antivirus bots.
It has a 1.6 billion IPv4 addresses database and tens of thousands of IPv6 networks. You can set your own link rules and distribute traffic between partner networks.
Features:
- Built-in JS fingerprinting and machine learning for fingerprint analysis;
- The work is fully automated;
- Redirects cloaking with PHP or JS support;
- Support for Cloudflare and other CDN services in proxy mode;
- Generators of white pages, the ability to copy sites;
- Rotation of links by timer;
- A/B testing;
- Statistics are updated every minute. Pricing starts at $300 for the basic plan.
5. HideClick
Cloaca, with an extensive database of IP addresses, works on Google, Facebook, and other networks. Helpful if you want to hide creatives, thanks to the built-in blocking of spy services and resident proxies.
Has three built-in pricing plans: Basic for $145, Advanced for $245, and Professional for $1495. The basic one is enough for your head, but if you need blocking of spy services and “advanced” resident proxies, the Advanced tariff may be the best choice. The most expensive option is for teams.
Service capabilities:
- Integration with CloudFlare, WordPress, Keitaro, and Apache;
- Support for PHP and JS redirects for Shopify and Tilda;
- Unlimited domains, clicks, and advertising campaigns;
- Free 3-day period with no limits;
- You must install a script on the server if you use the service.
Arbitration without a cloaca is almost ineffective. Those who plan to cloak in contextual advertising networks, social networks, and other platforms with strict moderation should prepare in advance because the lifespan of the cloaca and advertising account is concise.
With consumables, it will be possible to work successfully on the stream. It would help if you had warm advertising accounts, trusted domains, virtual credit cards with a balance, and other goodies that allow you to scale the activity.