21 replies to this topic

[leeclark]

I am new to this me so excuse my forum etiquet.
I wonder about the relative value of a reciprocal link vs a simple incoming link from an external source?

Lee

[robwatts]

Hi Lee

There are various opinions on this.

Some take the view that a non reciprocal link is of more value, others take the view that all links are of value.

There seems to be a lot of speculation around search engines like Google for example, devaluing things like reciprocal links as it could be argued that they skew things such as PR.

IMO its best to get non reciprocal links as these are often a better indicator of a pages value to a potential user or SE.

Why? well the theory is that these are more likely to be 'natural' and thus therefore, less manipulative of any algo that places emphasis on the value of a given link to a page.

[amabaie]

Go non-reciprocal as much as possible.

IMHO, the reciprocal links you do accept should be:

From on-topic pages, as much as possible.
From non "link-exchange pages", as much as possible (preferably in the actual text of a page).
On pages with few other links, as much as possible.
On sites that are risk-free (run from anyone offering identical link exchanges with multiple site!)
Fewer than your reciprocal links, if possible.
Be next to text or other links using your keywords, whenever possible.

That's just the short list. I don't suggest sweating each individual link, but try to make the big picture look as on-topic and as natural (not exchanged) as possible, and I think you'll do well.

[amabaie]

Fewer than your reciprocal links, if possible.

I meant: "Fewer than your non-reciprocal links, if possible." :

[leeclark]

Thanks for the input, In your opinons would SEO Gurus have any interest in a system for converting reciprocal links to non reciprocal links.

lee

[robwatts]

The problem with the subtext of your inference is that if it was advertised sufficiently then sooner or later it would be found out and suitably penalised.

That said, I dare say that a system that converted reciprocal links into non reciprocal links might well have appeal to some people.

Although, Im sure that anyone looking at such a system would have a question or two to ask before they decided to use it.

[Steve Sardell]

Hi Lee and welcome to the forum

I will be the first to admit at times my light bulb is only at 25 watts. I understand one can turn a recip into a nonrecip by using a Rob text disallow. However, unless disclosed to the other party, I have never understood the ethical position on this strategy. I am not saying it is unethical as the link is still reciprocated; I simply do not understand the reasoning. I know! The links are for the benefit of the site visitors, and they are in no way affected by such a strategy. But, if one is doing a themed linking campaign what is the point? I do realize we all want to have non recips, especially believing it makes the site appear more authoritative. What advantages am I not understanding? Thanks!

[leeclark]

This forum stuff is new to me, I have hit the tab key three times trying to get an answer out.
Assuming all the questions asked so far have been addressed properly is their a market assuming a cost/benefit relevant price?

If I can't interest this group I sure can't make the system fly.
You are the people with influence and access to the end users of my system.
(The web site owner.)

I need a small group of honest, reliable, and busy SEO Gurus to guide and advise. ( Guide and advise above and beyond the help you freely provide on the forum.)

All the concerns expressed to date do not apply to the system for reasons I cant disclose at present for obvious reasons. Just take me at my word at present, proof will follow at an appropriate time.

To open a trial will require at least a dozen sites in a common category, (common in a very broad sense).
I could find those locally but prefer to offer the system to SEO professionals rather than web site designers at large. Lee

[Debra]

Anything that sets out to purposely trick another webmaster and/or the search engines is something that is not long for cyberworld.

Stick to the basics and keep it clean and simple.

[Jill]

Sounds like a way to trick your partners, so I doubt there would be much interest in something like that among our members.

Jill

[amabaie]

The only way I could see this working is through some form of randomization. If, for instance, a hundred sites participate, each one might be required to link to 12 others, those being randomly assigned from the list.

Although such a system seems clever, I for one would not agree to any system that told me whom I had to link to. I need to control that for obious non-SEO reasons.

[OldWelshGuy]

I arrange one way links from client sites regularly, I normally email the site we are linking to telling them that we have arranged a link from a page on a client site as it was relevant, and that the email was to stop them wondering who was referring when they check their server logs. Sometimes they link back, sometimes they don't, their choice, it has no say in the link, as we linked for the visitors benefit.

Clients often get non recip links, we have one site that has 175, we arranges less than 6 or so.

IMO arranging a recip link then not reciprocating is dishonest, and I for one would not consider it.

[Jill]

IMO arranging a recip link then not reciprocating is dishonest, and I for one would not consider it.

BINGO!

J

[leeclark]

You are a wonderfully helpful, and ritefully a delightfully sceptical group.
So far, as a group, you apparently have trouble accepting the idea that something new, ethical, easy and not against any of Googles rules was overlooked by you all.
Only one negative comment applies to this system. (nothings perfect)
The system is a lot more ethical than spamming for links!!!

I could not believe that when it came to me a 4:am one sleepless night that it did not already exist.

I was not asking you to use it,

just to tell me that if it meets all your criteria/ethical concerns could it have value.
I repeat the question herewith.

Lee

[leeclark]

The old welsh guy is right on.Lee