Link Exchange (Reciprocal Linking)
Link exchanges are normally done between two websites
that complement each other to such a degree that exchanging links
enhances the user experience of both websites.
Since links became essential to rank well in Google and
other search engines link exchange software and consultancy firms have
flooded the market.
Link Exchange software usually query search engines
under target keywords, finds a list of high ranking website that appear
in Google’s first two Search Engine Results (SER) pages and then
sends automated link exchange request e-mails to the
Whois or Alexa contact.
Sounds very clever … but how do you think Google
will respond to the new
Link Exchange frenzy?
Link Exchange has lost its effect
Link exchanges are not working! Not a very popular
statement, but it has been our experience. Many Search Engine Optimisation
companies (SEO’s) still charge their clients a small fortune for
link building consulting or link building campaigns that focus
primarily on link exchanges.
Now that Link Exchanging has become a major focus
in the SEO industry, it should come as no surprise that reciprocal
linking has lost the effect that it used to have. We believe that when
an inbound link has been detected from another site to yours, but an
exchanged link has also been detected, that link will not be awarded
its usual value or not even be counted as an inbound link.
It makes sense for Google to take this approach, since so many have
jumped on the band wagon of link exchange, without improving relevance
or usability for end users.
With millions of websites exchanging links simply
to improve rankings, these links tend to be free, irrelevant, only with
search engines in mind and tucked away on pages stuffed with link
exchange partner links.
It hasn't taken Google long to identify these
tactics and move towards countering them.
One Way Inbound Link Building
To find a website that will link to your site without an
exchanged link back to theirs is almost an impossible art.
One way links act as a vote
of popularity and usually point to a relevant resource of information,
product or service.
One-way inbound links (even when
paid for) are typically carefully placed, not used by the internet
masses, difficult to find and not software or bulk e-mail driven. In
fact to find a website that will link to your site without an exchanged
link back to theirs is almost an impossible art.
Link Exchange Conclusion
Inbound Links
+ Link Exchange OR Inbound Links no Link Exchange?
In contrast to link exchange, one way link building
is without doubt a more effective vehicle for building high ranking.
Since the October 2005 update, feel very strongly that link exchanging
has become a total waste of time, make sure that you don’t pay
money for any link exchange consulting, it will waste your money.
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