Google Linking Strategies

**Ralph** · 06-21-2006, 11:35 AM

I always thought paying a fee was buying a link. Not considered a good thing. We are still linking and will continue until we see a negative consequence. We have always been very careful to whom we link and check each one before linking. Keep an eye out for bad neighborhoods. As was mentioned before, we also scan all our links fairly regularly. I agree with you, it is not time to through the baby out with the bath water. Spend your time cleaning up your sight. Keep in mind what would be useful in meeting the needs of those coming to your site just as you do for your clients.

**Patrick Mc** · 06-21-2006, 12:28 PM

Ralph, thank you for your response. How do I check on directories or potential link partners?

**Ralph** · 06-21-2006, 12:56 PM

With link partners it is rather easy, but time consuming. If you want to link with them, open their site. Does it fit with what you do? For us, real_estate-to-real_estate or something very close. Read Matt

**kensmith** · 06-21-2006, 01:29 PM

A paid submission in a niche directory is fine, actually much better than a reciprical link. This is not what G is talking about when they refer to paying for links. Heck G suggests getting listed in Yahoo directory and that is a $300 fee. "Submit your site to relevant directories such as the Open Directory Project and Yahoo!, as well as to other industry-specific expert sites." A must read is Google Information for Webmasters.

If you are going to link to the directory than stay away from linking to any directory that sends leads or links to Homegain or other lead generators. Also pay attention as many directoies use scripts to hide your link from the search engine so there is no point in it. Next try and find directories that will give you traffic, there is a lot about this topic on my blog (see sig).

**HomeSurfer** · 06-21-2006, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick Mc

I have no experience with SEO, but I am very serious about optimizing my site. Does it still make sense to use real estate directories like RealEstateABC.com, Reals.com, E-Powered Professionals, RealEstate4.com, and others? If it does make sense, what directories are the best? It seems that there are so many, and most want a fee or recipricol link.

Some directories make sense, some don't. The web is a cooperative venture, by nature. As a site owner, you have to decide who you want to cooperate with and who you do not. That is sort of the difference between a "Link Ninja" and a "Link Monkey"....