How to know if a Website is Legit

In today’s digital age, ensuring the legitimacy of a website is crucial for maintaining your security online. Whether you are shopping, reading, or engaging in any online activity, you need to be certain that the site you are visiting is trustworthy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine if a website is legit.

Check If a Website has a SSL Certificate or Not

One of the first things you should check is whether the website has an SSL certificate. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate ensures that any data exchanged between your browser and the website is encrypted and secure. Here’s how to check:

1. Look for “https” in the URL: Websites with SSL certificates start with “https” instead of “http.”
2. Check for a padlock icon: A padlock icon in the address bar indicates that the site uses SSL encryption.
3. Click on the padlock: By clicking on the padlock, you can view more information about the SSL certificate and verify its validity.

Check Website Domain Age

The age of a website’s domain can provide insight into its legitimacy. Older domains are generally more reliable. Here’s how to check the domain age:

1. Use Duplichecker: It provides detailed information about the domain, including its registration date.
2. Look for longevity: A domain that has been active for several years is typically more trustworthy than a newly created one.

Check Domain Authority

Domain Authority (DA) is a metric that indicates the trustworthiness of a website. It’s calculated based on various factors, including the number of inbound links. Here’s how to check a website’s DA:

1. Use tools like Moz or Ahrefs: These platforms provide insights into the domain authority.
2. Higher scores indicate trustworthiness: Websites with a higher DA are generally more reliable.

Check Backlink Profile

A strong backlink profile indicates that a website is trusted by other sites. Here’s how to evaluate the backlink profile:

1. Use tools like Ahrefs : These tools provide detailed information about the backlinks pointing to the website.
2. Look for high-quality backlinks: Links from reputable sites are a good indicator of a website’s legitimacy.

Check in Way Back Machine if Website is in Same Niche from Starting or Not

The Way Back Machine is a digital archive that allows you to see how a website has evolved over time. Here’s how to use it:

1. Visit the Way Back Machine website: Enter the URL of the website you want to check.
2. Review the website’s history: Look at snapshots of the site to see if it has consistently been in the same niche.
3. Consistency is key: A site that has always been in the same niche is more likely to be legitimate.

Other Things to Check

There are additional checks you can perform to ensure a website’s legitimacy:

1. Check for a privacy policy and contact information: Legitimate websites typically have a privacy policy and contact details readily available.
2. Look for professional design and content: High-quality design and well-written content are indicators of a legitimate website.
3. Check for social media presence: Legitimate websites often have active social media profiles.

Check Google My Business or Knowledge Graph if the Website Brand Name has to see Reviews

Google My Business and the Knowledge Graph can provide insights into a website’s reputation. Here’s how to use them:

1. Search for the brand name: Enter the brand name in Google and look for its Knowledge Graph or Google My Business listing.
2. Read reviews: Reviews can provide valuable information about the website’s legitimacy.
3. Check ratings: High ratings and positive reviews are good indicators of a trustworthy site.

Find Company Name in Footer and Search on Google to View Directorship, Paid Up Capital, and Other Presence of Directors in Companies

Verifying the company behind the website can provide additional assurance. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check the footer for company information: Legitimate websites often list their company name and details in the footer.
2. Search for the company on Google: Look for information about the company’s directorship, paid-up capital, and the presence of directors in other companies.
3. Verify company credentials: This information can help confirm the legitimacy of the website.

Conclusion

Ensuring that a website is legitimate is essential for maintaining your security online. By checking for an SSL certificate, domain age, domain authority, backlink profile, and historical consistency through the Way Back Machine, you can gain valuable insights into a website’s legitimacy. Additionally, examining Google My Business reviews and company information can further confirm a website’s trustworthiness. Following these steps will help you navigate the web safely and avoid fraudulent sites.