3 replies to this topic

[mpea]

I have just created another new site (is there a place to get a small review, or do you not do reviews here? It’s been a long time since I have posted) -Edit, just seen the review section

The Site has a main page, with some good content, just building up the inbound anchor tags, it’s a useful site for many people in the UK

I’m just wondering if it would be a bad idea to have a directory within the site which requires reciprocals.

Many people that join my site may already have a relevant site, and may wish to be added to the directory... reciprocal linking is almost as good as dead (I think)
So is there any point? (The directory is now already live, and requires reciprocals)

[Randy]

The directory is now already live, and requires reciprocals

Little late to be asking now, isn't it?

Seriously, as long as you're strict with your editorial controls --meaning you only link to sites that are actually worthy and will be of interest to your users-- you should be okay. Just make sure you don't start linking out to folks just because they agree to link to you. You've gotta check 'em out first and make sure they'll be worthwhile to your users. I hope you have it set up so that no link anybody adds becomes visible until you've had the chance to approve it. If not, you'll want to have at least this minimal amount of security.

FWIW, reciprocal linking isn't dead. Not if it's done for the right reasons anyway.

Setting up a directory isn't something I'd do personally, but that's just because I have neither the time nor the patience to deal with all of the link spammers that are bound to start hitting it.

[mpea]

Its a very simple hand written directory, In which I have to review all request. All out bound links will be highly related and educational, and I seriously look at all sites before linking. One thing I don’t do is look at the PR or seo value. I look at what I believe the users would find useful, can this be a bad idea from an SEO point of view? "Quality" can be hard to define, I consider useful sites quality sites. I only added the directory 2 days ago, so I can easily remove it.

I thought it might be a useful link baiting method, especially as people that register to my site may already have a related site.
Thanks for your advice.

[Randy]

I look at what I believe the users would find useful, can this be a bad idea from an SEO point of view?

No, not all all. It's exactly the way you should be reviewing potential link partners.