Linking strategies – what does pinball has to do with real estate?

It still is a wonder to me why I receive email requests to “exchange links” that seem to make no sense.

The emails go something like this:

“I found your website on Google, and it is interesting to me. I would like to exchange links with your site so that it mutually benefits the ranking of our websites.”…

Will these so-called “link managers” ever learn?

I just received an email asking me to place a link for a power tools e-commerce website on a real estate website. In return, the link I provide for the real estate site would go on a link page for pinball machines….not related to either website.

For those link managers, I have some advice: Read the SEO forums, blogs, and other resources for information on current link strategies.

The most important link strategy has not changed. Get RELEVANT websites to link to yours, and if possible, tell them to use RELEVANT anchor text with RELEVEANT keywords that match your website.

So called “three way linking”, in my opinion, does not have much weight on ranking….especially if the third party link page is a simple link page filled with irrelevant links.

Furthermore, telling me you are going to place my link in a directory not related to the subject of my website is just plain useless.

If I am to link to your site, your site should be at least somewhat related to the subject of my website. If not, the visitor leaving my website has no use for the information of your website.

It is my opinion, and I’m sure of other SEO consultants, that Link RELEVANCY = better ranking, but only if the anchor text contains RELEVANT keywords and that those keywords are related to the subjects of both sites.

Which brings up a good question: Does a link to a plastic surgery site belong on the links page of a dental website?

Cosmetic surgery is somewhat related to cosmetic dentistry. They are both “doctor” related websites, and they both contain the “cosmetic” keyword.

However, would someone getting a breast enhancement need the information found on a dental site? I don’t think so.

Vise-versa, would someone in need of a root canal want to obtain information from a tummy-tuck site? Probably not.

Some SEO consultants might think this link scenario might not help, but wouldn’t hurt. I’ve administered these types of links, but I have to ask the question: “Did it improve the ranking of either site?” – I doubt it.

Now if the cosmetic dentistry site referred a visitor to an orthodontist’s site, then obviously, there is a relevancy there. They both deal with the subject of “dental services.”

A cosmetic surgery site might be better off referring visitors to a dermatology website or even a self-help website if someone is looking to improve their body, mind and spirit.

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