I've been in the website investing game for a while now, and I've learned that due diligence is absolutely crucial when buying a site. Here's my guide to not getting scammed and making sure you're getting what you pay for: 1. Traffic Analysis: • Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to verify traffic claims • Check the traffic sources - organic search is generally more valuable than social media • Look for any sudden drops or spikes in traffic - could indicate penalties or manipulation 2. Revenue Verification: • Ask for screenshots or direct access to revenue accounts (AdSense, affiliate networks, etc.) • Cross-reference revenue claims with traffic data - does it make sense? • Look for seasonal trends or one-off spikes that might skew the numbers 3. Backlink Profile: • Use tools like Ahrefs or Majestic to analyze the backlink profile • Watch out for spammy or low-quality links that could lead to future penalties • Check if there's a good mix of dofollow and nofollow links 4. Content Quality: • Read through the content - is it original and high-quality? • Check for plagiarism using tools like Copyscape • Look for signs of AI-generated content (which Google might penalize) 5. Technical SEO: • Run the site through tools like Screaming Frog to check for technical issues • Look at page speed using Google PageSpeed Insights • Check for mobile-friendliness and responsive design 6. Monetization Methods: • Understand how the site makes money - is it sustainable? • Are there opportunities to diversify or improve monetization? • Check if the methods comply with Google's guidelines (especially important for AdSense sites) 7. Niche Research: • Is the niche growing, stable, or declining? • Are there any upcoming regulations or changes that could affect the site? • What's the competition like? 8. Owner's Time Investment: • How much time does the current owner spend on the site? • Is there a team or is it all done by one person? • Are there processes in place that you can take over?