Does Using Nulled or Activated themes Effect google rankings?

Pavan Teja 1 said:

It doesn't matter what you use. Google doesn't care unless there is some malware inside the code that affects UX.

But you need to be careful about using nulled themes and plugins. Always get them from reliable sources and scan them in advance. If you just search in Google for nulled xxxxx theme/plugin, and download something from first page results, then chances are high that you'll end up with hack code or malware. Follow standard security practices. Use security plugins like wordfence, scan all nulled files using virus total or some other resource. Most importantly, take regular backups (use plugins like Updraft to store backups in your g-drive).

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KJREDDY247@ said:

never thought about security plugins, I will do this. and yeah i am using backup buddy for my backup and storing it on my local storage.

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Pavan Teja 1 said:

You can also check this thread: https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/m...es-and-plugins-from-festingers-vault.1095237/
These are original themes and plugins, not nulled or cracked. Festinger used to offer 14 days trial (don't know if it's still available). It's a better option if you're on a budget.

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KJREDDY247@ said:

I can see there are a lot of activated and nulled themes and plugins shared here on the forum.

If I am going to use any of those activated themes to start a website does it perform the same like a regular theme or does it affect my google rankings?

( yeah i know using a purchased theme good for the main website, but my question when someone is not in a position to buy all those themes and plugins in the initial stage to create multiple websites specially when you are testing and targeting multiple businesses with multiple numbers of websites)

And if update our nulled theme to original purchase theme later ( the same theme ) does it affect any of our rankings at that time?

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dan_k said:

If you're really not in a position to buy a plugin or theme, ask for a discount or other options. The WordPress community is full of cool people, much more so than faceless corporations. If you explain a need or ask for help, publicly or privately, you'll probably get it. Some will point you to their GitHub repo where their commercial product is publicly available. A commercial support license buys you security from auto-updates, and if you don't get those, it is just a matter of time before the code breaks or is vulnerable.

There's a lot of generosity and a volunteer ethic in WordPress, which is a big reason why it really upsets and hurts people trying to make a living there when others distribute unsafe, unofficial, "nulled" versions of their products. A lot of nulled code is infected with malware and spamlinks. Yeah, it will hurt your search rankings if you install junk like that or get hacked from a backdoor. Google will delist you pretty quickly if you land on their "deceptive site" list. Nulled plugins and themes are a fast way to get there. Do some research. Ask Patchstack. Look up "WP-VCD Malware."

Usually, when people get into WordPress (or any open-source project) by building something with it, the hope is they might eventually get involved in the community. Whether you contribute code, share ideas, want to learn with others, or socialize at events it's a friendly culture where everyone is welcome. If that sounds better than sneaking in the backdoor and using dubious pirated code, hit me up — I'd be happy to get you connected.

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