Link Exchange Legitimacy

[logodesign77]

Link exchanges with quality websites can sometimes be difficult at best. What I mean is that with all the hundreds of link exchange requests I get weekly, especially from so called SEO expert companies, I imagine most people do what I do.... take a quick glance at the email and right to the garbage can.

So when I send my link exchange requests out, I have to assume other webmasters do the same.... glance and trash. What do I do to at legitimacy to my requests? I simply add my phone number to my request.

If my request is legitimate then I shouldn't have a problem with speaking to a webmaster from a site I want to exchange links with. So I add my number to all my requests with a statement that says "Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns about my request to enter into a link exchange with your website"

Seems to work well for me....... I don't actually receive a lot of phone calls, but it seems that if I am willing to leave my number, then the other webmaster seems to think that my request is a legit request and not some software generaged incorrect English request.

What are your thoughts on this???

Eric

[soia15]

Well, myself I 'm just starting on the link exchange subject so I will definitively used your tip..but I don't think to many people will call Spain!!

[DomainDrivers]

As soeone who does this work all the time, for hundreds of sites, follow these rules:

1) Make sure the site you are soliciting is related to your site.

2) Make sure the site you are soliciting has a link directory and publicly offers to exchange. Link to them first.

3) If they want their link requests to be submitted to a form they provide, then use the form. They'll ignore your email

4) Skip the flowery talk about your page rank and how much you think their site is the bomb. You want a link, and if your site is appropriate, they want your link. Be honest, sincere, and get to the point.

5) Tell them exactly where (what page url) to find their link on your site.

6) Tell them how you have listed their site on your site.

7) Provide a way for them to make changes to their listing.

8) Never threaten to remove their link. Nobody likes threats.

9) Provide the a way to "unsubscribe" from further solicitations.

[computergenius]

10) (!) Make sure that your link page is cached in Google. It's a quick way to check that the page is actually worth having a link on. About 90% of the link requests that we get are not cached, and it appears that they have created a links section that has no connection to the outside world, and is totally useless.

[dburdon]

One positive move is to install the target site's link on your own site before you e-mail. It shows you're serious.

[Keimos]

Hi Eric,

DomainDrivers is spot on and my addition is - only link to relevant sites. Which is why I trash a lot of requests. You can generally tell whether it is a genuine request or an automated one. " I have looked ta your site and think that you have great content.... etc"

Keimos

[GiftsForYouBiz]

I actually get a lot of requests for link exchanges too, on my Crystal Gifts site. What I've done is to set policies, and then I adhere to them. Its taken me awhile to get used to deleting requests, especially when its a really nice site, but I stick to the policies I've set (I make an exception very rarely). I've gotten to the point that it doesn't bother me as much when I delete, b/c it is MY call, after all.

One thing I don't do is to not link based on PR. If I see a PR1, that's just a flag for me to check for keyword stuffing and other not-so-good SEO tactics. I mean, Google sometimes knows what they're doing. PR2 is kind of the same, it makes me look a little harder, but a lot of sites start out there, so usually its no biggie. PR3 is usually pretty good, just a site waiting to blossom.

But the biggest thing I do, is unless I can tell by the title/description that the site isn't worth my time (e.g., I won't link to spam-related industries, so a link request for printer cartridges hits the can without a second thought), I look at each and every site. The majority of my requests are sites looking to promote their AdSense campaigns (which I also don't do). But I do pull up every site, and check it out for myself.

You can check out most of my policies at the link below. But when checking a site, I want to make sure that "I" would buy from them. Is there a product? Is it "their" product (no redirects to other sites)? Did they reciprocate up front? Is the link on "their" site? I want to link to serious web store owners. Not an 11th grade school project that kiddo just learned and did for someone in their spare time.

And there's no offense here. Printer cartridges are well to link with printer and computer-related sites. Casinos do well with dating sites perhaps (or financial sites :). But for my family-oriented gift site, I prefer to keep the chains tight.

So, is your link legitimate? I'm sure it is. The question for me is, is your site legitimate, and "related" to mine?

The most prominent key points I make to a link requester are on my link request form page:
http://giftsforyou.biz/resources/add_link.php

Oh, I also have the link request validated by the e-mail address they provide when requesting a link. That usually gets the serious linkers through to you.

And my analysis after everything I have set the way I have it setup? AdSense campaign owners still think I'm an idiot. But I give them credit for the fact that they're certainly driven.

[mantawebsolutions]

I agree that it is probably a good thing to post your telephone number on your email, but should it not be there anyway (in your signature) ?

I agree with DomainDrivers, dburdon and computergenius on all of there comments.

For reciprocal linking, add a link on your site to the site you want a link from, this way they'll think twice before just deleting the email.

However, this only works with webmasters or siteowners who actively build links on their sites. I have had many occasions where I've done everything correctly and I just don't get a response from the webmaster at all.

End result is then that they are probably aware that I have added a link from my site to them and they simply ignore my request for (possibly) two reasons:

1. They feel my site is not related to theirs, or
2. They are just going to capatalize on my generosity, having linked to their site. They have gained a free one-way link to their site without having to do anything...

[DomainDrivers]

mantawebsolutions
End result is then that they are probably aware that I have added a link from my site to them and they simply ignore my request ....

Let me provide some perspective that may help you deal with the frustrations, because a lot of people get hung up on who does not link, instead of who does.

You have to look at this somewhat like cold call selling, in that you have to knock on a lot of doors before you get a sale. Same here.

First, make sure that the site publicly states in their link directory that they want to add sites, reciropcate, etc. Don't solicit sites who do not offer to reciprocate, even if they are in the same realm of interest. Unwanted solicitations give this process a bad name. Don't contribute to the problem.

Second, make sure you are using their submission form, if they supply one.


That said, there are a myriad of reasons why a site does not link back. Sure, some of them are just gaming you, but mostly it's because the site has changed webmasters, they're too busy, or some other logistical reason.

Those who game this process by not linking back are simply kidding themselves. Eventually, people take their links down. It is incredibly self-destructive to offer to reciprocate, then fail to do it for sites that take up the offer. What a waste of goodwill.

Sites that are insincere in their reciprocation offers will never be "link gorillas". They just get and lose links constantly. There is no stability to their link base.

But, they are out there. Keep track of who reciprocates, and who hasn't. Here, we track how many times we ask a site for a link. We are very patient, because we know that it can take months for a site to update a link directory. At some point, though, if they have not linked back responsibly, eventually they get weeded out and we no longer ask, or list them.

You can ask politely again, but don't harass them, threaten to remove their link, etc. Threats of removal are a guarantee that your email will get canned. You never know the circumstances that they are dealing with. Be gracious.

Use a tool like http://www.linksurvey.com to find those who have linked to you, and your competitors!

Overall, always look forward in this work. Do not look back. Don't fret over those who won't link to you. Celebrate those who do, and go find more.

[mantawebsolutions]

DomainDrivers: yes, that is a very good strategy to work from. I do that anyway, but sometimes I do not have the patience that is required.

[GiftsForYouBiz]

Speaking from a "trying to get the links" perspective, I've started up quite a few site's link campaigns (about 20 I believe). That's what I did as a side job for my SEO neighbor.

I think the most time consuming part (probably obviously) is the first 50 to 100 or so. If you've got that many, categorized well, and your PR gets up to about a 4, then link requests should start coming in to you.

In putting together the campaigns for the sites I brought up, here's what I did:

Part 1: Researched and found as many sources for relevant sites as I could find. Search engines, directories, competitor sites, etc. (and I would not link to another of my campaigns unless they were relevant).

Part 2: I did the manual e-mail process. 1) Visit a site on my list of relevant sites, 2) Place their link on my site, and 3) Find their link pages and see if there's a form or an e-mail address, and submit my request. I kept track in an Excel spreadsheet for each campaign as to which sites I submitted to, submit date, response notes, etc. In a week or two, I'd check back to see if the site reciprocated. If not, down it came. I kept good track of these.

Part 3: When you've got the first 25-50, you're doing good. I then supplemented my requests at about 50 by using LinkPartners.com. I complied, and I followed through.

Part 4: By now, weeks to a month into the campaign, I start getting requests myself. Little by little you can start backing off the pro-active approach, and just start approving or disapproving. After about a 100, and you start getting in a good stream of requests, individual e-mails and responses get extremely time consuming.

But first and foremost is to set your guidelines. Create your categories (which you can tweak later on). Find your relevant sources. And dedicate a few weeks or more to the first couple phases.

Another thing I see webmasters doing is trying to get their links before their products are even available in their store. Although I understand their intent, I think the store should come first. For me, that is a site under construction...

HTH

[adebold]

There's been same good, solid advice here; particularly 'DomainDrivers' - thanks everyone.

It seems to be like so much else with the Internet, people over complicate things and lose site of logic and common sense.

Just stick to basics; you've got a website and if you're going to add a link/resource directory, do it for your visitors. Keep it 'on topic', don't put crap sites in there and treat it with the same care and attention as the rest of your site.

If you get a link request from someone that clearly hasn't reviewed your site, has a links page full of unrelated links or can't even be bothered to use your own link submission form, DELETE.

[sdc]

1. Find a similar site in page rank.
2. Ensure they actually have links on their site but not to too many.
3. Link them first; write a nice descriptive summary of their site along with it.
4. Find the administrators contact info if not from the site from a who is.
5. Contact asking for a reciprocal link back, leave the type of link back option to them but suggest something suitable.
6. Always leave a phone number and full name, email and title
7. In addition I offer commissions for placing our link also
8. If you don’t get a reply find a new contact email address and keep trying
9. If there’s a phone number, call them generally this works well as people do not expect this.
10. Never go after links from sites that have no relevance to yours or have lots of outbound links.

Its not gospel but worked for me for my number on search term – swingers club.

[oneofthe3lions]

Well, myself I 'm just starting on the link exchange subject so I will definitively used your tip..but I don't think to many people will call Spain!!

They most certainly will if you have a good site!

[toolameforyou]

9. If there’s a phone number, call them generally this works well as people do not expect this.

For very important links, a phone call is a great idea... but be prepared to get hung up on. Before phoning I would insure the site's a match made in heaven. I can't tell you how many phone calls I get from seo solicitors and other "professional" sales people.

Anyway, here's my big tip for the day. If you do pick up the phone to ask for a link, do your best to sound unprofessional! Be friendly, ask for advice, share knowledge and give compliments. In fact, make a new friend in the process. The same thing could be attempted in an email but it's more difficult to do with text alone.

Nathan

[Ozwebsites]

We have for many years operated varied, link exchange programs, and some to a lesser success rate than others.

I think "link farming" is a major downfall within the industry.

My thoughts are thus:

1. aim for a link exchange with a like related website, that captures your interest, not just its PR

2. offer a bonus for reciprocal linking on main pages

3. use alt and title tags for each link

4. include related content on your link pages, or links on your related content pages

5. ensure your links are indexable

6. dont obscure links to extended urls

7 encourage exchange via subsidiary means, ie: forums etc

On the whole id say link fluently, and follow the 3 click rule, of getting to any content within 3 clicks from your home page

Ozzy

[cvos]

i swear to Shiva there must be link building finishing schools in india. India seems to be a magnet for link trading, and much as china makes cheap Nike knockoffs, most of the indian "SEO" firms are robotic link pushers. its quite sad

[noel_x99]

This is a great topic for those of us who don't know link building. Call it Link Building 101!

[rosiee007]

Also, make sure that the page they are putting your link on does not have hundereds of links on it. Infact, it shouldn't have more than around 50 links, and those too should be categorized. Not a bunch of unrelated links all on one page.

[computergenius]

Originally Posted by mantawebsolutions

End result is then that they are probably aware that I have added a link from my site to them and they simply ignore my request for (possibly) two reasons:

1. They feel my site is not related to theirs, or
2. They are just going to capatalize on my generosity, having linked to their site. They have gained a free one-way link to their site without having to do anything...

There is a third possibility, that they do not realise that they need links, so don't understand why you are writing to them - "perhaps they want my money" and "I am not sending MY visitors to other peoples pages" are two recent points made by clients to such requests.

Not everyone is into SEO...

[computergenius]

Originally Posted by mantawebsolutions

End result is then that they are probably aware that I have added a link from my site to them and they simply ignore my request for (possibly) two reasons:

1. They feel my site is not related to theirs, or
2. They are just going to capatalize on my generosity, having linked to their site. They have gained a free one-way link to their site without having to do anything...

A third possibility is that they do not realise that they need links. I have heard clients who say "I think they will be asking me for money" or "I am not sending MY visitors to their site".

Not everyone is into SEO...

[mantawebsolutions]

computergenius wrote:
A third possibility is that they do not realise that they need links. I have heard clients who say "I think they will be asking me for money" or "I am not sending MY visitors to their site".

Not everyone is into SEO...

That is so true, I have heard people saying the very same thing.

[ron angel]

I have always found the best place for links is the front main page of the site. The person you are linking to knows you are serious and will put one back ( if not and you have agreed otherwise remove after 14 days ) the links will be indexed by search engines on a regular basis. There is no such thing as
bad publicity or links. search engines do not see the
content of where you are linking to from as strange or different just the location and placement.

www.ssrichardmontgomery.net

[lukkyjay]

I don't think it's worth it to link first most of the time. Only if it is a really, really good link that I don't think I'll get. Saying "if you want me to link to you first, let me know" is good enough. If you got a request from a good site that you wanted to exchange with, would you throw it away just because they haven't already linked?

[lukkyjay]

And, what really bugs me is when I get a link exchange request from those guys over in India cvos was talking about (Yogesh is the one I just got) asking me to exchange with an insurance site. I get excited when I first start reading it because it's very closely related to my site - which is hard to find anymore. Then when I keep reading, they say my link will be posted at some "linkpopularity dot org" spam site. If people are falling for this, these linkpopularity people are getting a pretty sweet deal.

Are these the same people that are doing that scam where they sell people on good rankings in the search engines by building up a landing page that they own on the clients dollar - then start jacking up the price? If the client doesn't want to pay the higher prices, the link popularity company threatens taking the now highly ranked landing page to a competitor.

[DomainDrivers]

Anyone can try to do this work any way they like, and there are a million theories and unique angles. Some might even work, but using them mostly just satisfies the promoter of it that they have achieved some imagined advantage that will come from it.

That said, there is a very well established protocol in the world of reciprocal linking. Sites that have been reciprocating successfully for many years will simply ignore requests that don't comply with established protocol. The reason is because they have seen all the spammers tricks, and have learned to avoid them. So anything that looks like spam, even if it's not, gets canned.

Sites that try to circumvent that protocol will most likely suffer from it, not benefit from it, in the form of lost linking opportunities. Getting 2 links that comply with an odd protocol may also mean losing 8 links that they could have had by complying. It looks successful on the surface (you got 2 links), but it's not-competitive, in the long run, since a savvy competitor who does follow protocol will out-link the rest, over time. They got 10.

In most cases, not linking first simply puts a site in the spammer category, regardless of their real intention, because it's a classic spammer tactic. Occasionally it works and another site will take the bait, but an un-linked request does not make it past the initial review stage with most webmasters.

Also, third-party linking is the same. Spam. Legitimate sites ignore this tactic like the plague, because they know that they are linking TO the primary site, but getting a link FROM a junk site. Three-way linking is bogus, and legit sites DO NOT PLAY ALONG.

For best success, follow proper protocol. Stay relevant. Link first, then ask, and offer to alter their listing if they need, and be patient and gracious.

Link reciprocation takes place between two human beings. If one side tries to game it and get an advantage, then the trust breaks down. The end result is not that the gaming site gets an imagined advantage. All they get in the end are a lot less links. I fail to see how that is "successful".

People can do what they want, and good luck with whatever tactic they want to use, but I get paid per link earned. My income is directly related to how many links I earn. My clients are most successful when I earn them the most links possible. Tactics that diminish the result or cause other sites to withhold their links are not in my interest, or that of my client.

[mantawebsolutions]

DomainDrivers: no argument there, very valid points. You have my vote.

You also have a PM