Recipricol Links Vs Paid Links Debacle, Are they so bad, even to the point of paid links Options

[1dmf]

I've read a few threads here and it all seems to say, recipricol links for links sake are bad.

But i'm a little confused.

I am slowly but surely Submitting to Directories, I'm hoping that their financial category may bring me some targeted traffic.

Some of these directories require a recipricol link if you want to be included, so , seings as I have an affiliates page, where I am happy to include recipricol links, i've placed these links here.

Ok i've not put the link specifically for my visitor to click on, but it is there for the visitors purpose, if I don't recipricol link, they won't include me and thus I won't get any traffic from them, so it is for 'visitor benefit'!

Why do I keep getting the feeling from HR, i'm doing something wrong?

And are these types of links seen as bad as paid links?

I'm not trying to game anything or cloak anything, or even pass on PR , the recipricol page doesn't have any PR (toolbar PR), and it's unlikely to ever get much PR , it's an affiliate page with an affiliate program and affiliate links, it's a small subsidary page , and nothing more.

Am I really doing something evil and wrong? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/diablo.gif)

[qwerty]

It's not wrong, and it's not evil, but it's probably not effective either. A directory that insists on a link back may well be viewed by Google as simply seeking those links rather than using any editorial oversight.

[1dmf]

Thanks for the vote of confidence :(IMG:style_emoticons/default/phew.gif) :

As for effectiveness, who knows, the more directories you are in , the more likey someone will find your site and visit, after all it's just a numbers game isn't it.

At least I don't have to worry i'm doing 'black hat' , evilness, and i'm not adding myself to directories for PR, so whether G! 'bitch slaps' their PR is of no consiquence to me!

[Randy]

You're fine.

Except for the fact that you may be wasting time that could be better spent on a more effective linking campaign. Reciprocal or not.

[1dmf]

Well this is where I get lost.

What is a more effective linking campaign, I've tried directories, I've tried auto submission, I've tried emailing campaigns, I've paid for SEO ant Traffic.

I'm at a loss what I should now do.

I know you have given me a great overview on how to think like a potential visitor, but this particular site is Financial Services, and without having a budget to advertise in consumer magazines / websites, I don't know where to start looking for the best place to get links for my site.

Marketing is not my strong point, nor should it be, I'm a coder 1st and formost, unfortunately I get lumbered with everything else as well.

Can you suggest a reputable company that is affordable, so maybe I can outsource the link building campaign and convince the powers at be , this is something we need to invest in?

Cheers,

1DMF.

[Randy]

Check your PM box. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink1.gif)

[1dmf]

Randy, you really are a gentleman and a schollar.

Have a great Christmas & New Year.

Your help has been invaluable to me over the few months I have frequented HR, I just hope I can contribute something worth while in return one day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Kind Regards,

Craig.