Link Etiquette - Must it be a link exchange?

[web-diva]

I have a new client who has many of her clients listed on her website, however she doesn't link to them. Is it manditory or proper etiquette to have reciprocatinig links? On my website: jam-inc.com, I refer to many nautical companies that my clients may find useful. And I'm adding more!

But for instance, this new client is a video producer, and has many well know companies on her client list. Does she need to have permission to link one way to them?

How does this affect link popularity if it's only one way?

Please advise, thank you.

[freelancemom]

But for instance, this new client is a video producer, and has many well know companies on her client list. Does she need to have permission to link one way to them?

How does this affect link popularity if it's only one way?

Hi Joann -

I believe the general rule of thumb is that the more links you have pointing to your site the better. It can't hurt your rankings because if it did -- everyone could go submit their competitors links to all sorts of places.

What you want to be careful of is who YOU link to. That CAN hurt your rankings. Check their google rating and be sure that it is at least a two.

But yes, in general it is proper etiquette to provide a reciprocal link. Some places don't require it though.

Hint -- be sure to add _blank to the target tags on your links so that the viewer has a new browser open up when they click on them. You don't want to just GIVE your traffic away.

Kind Regards,

Lori