Link Exchange Websites...

[ViciousSummer]

On my quest for links, I have stumbled upon this website, http://www.linkpartners.com
It seems like a good idea, since every site listed is willing to exchange links (saves time, rather then adding someones link, emailing them, waiting for a reply, checking to see if they've added your link, etc.). Also, you can search for sites by catagory, so you can easily link to sites that have a similar theme to yours. Also, I checked the PR on a couple of the sites I was going to request links from and they typically have PR5 or PR6 on their "links" page, which is pretty good for a links page, no?

I'm new to this seo/linking thing, so, has anyone had experiance with a site like this? Good idea or bad?

[theblade24]

I have experience with this site. I use the free version, meaning you're listed on the linkpartners site for people to find you and want to link to you, but you still enter links manually. I don't want to pay the monthly money at this point for a few minutes work to enter links.

But it has been excellent. I've obtained a ton of links from there.

Marty
http://www.itsalreadysigned4u.com

On my quest for links, I have stumbled upon this website, http://www.linkpartners.com
It seems like a good idea, since every site listed is willing to exchange links (saves time, rather then adding someones link, emailing them, waiting for a reply, checking to see if they've added your link, etc.). Also, you can search for sites by catagory, so you can easily link to sites that have a similar theme to yours. Also, I checked the PR on a couple of the sites I was going to request links from and they typically have PR5 or PR6 on their "links" page, which is pretty good for a links page, no?

I'm new to this seo/linking thing, so, has anyone had experiance with a site like this? Good idea or bad?

[ViciousSummer]

I have experience with this site. I use the free version, meaning you're listed on the linkpartners site for people to find you and want to link to you, but you still enter links manually. I don't want to pay the monthly money at this point for a few minutes work to enter links.

But it has been excellent. I've obtained a ton of links from there.

Marty
http://www.itsalreadysigned4u.com

I agree, free is better :D !

[Luke]

I found one site which might be a useful link and im going to email for it.

[digitalpoint]

Might be a bad idea with linkpartners.com... Looks like Google might be targeting them:

http://forums.seochat.com/t8947/s.html

- Shawn

[compar]

I use linkspartner on a couple of sites. One of them showed a lot of new links in last night's upgrade and the other one lost links. So no conclusive evidence there. I don't see why Google would punish sites that use linkspartner. The process is pretty straight forward if reciprocal linking is what you are into.

I think Shawn asked how would Google know the links were from linkspartner? I think the answer is that linkspartner writes the links pages and provides all the "add your URL" scripting. So anyone using these link pages would be pretty easy to spot.

[theblade24]

I am listed on link partners, but have manualinks pages. I do not rely on their Link Manager system. My links just jumped huge as did my ranking. Probably because I don't use their system I guess. Altho, I do know of and see many high ranking ones that do. So I'm not sure that is a factor anyway.

MB
http://www.itsalreadysigned4u.com

[digitalpoint]

Shows you how much I know about them... :)

As far as why Google would punish sites doing it. It's an easy target if they are able to detect it. From the people that have lost links on it, they mentioned they only lost links acquired through the program, so it's not like Google is applying any sort of ban. Just making links acquired that way irrelevant.

If Google could detect it for any reciprocal links, I'm sure they would do it across the board. From Google's standpoint, reciprocal linking for SEO purposes defeats the purpose of PageRank.

- Shawn

[compar]

One more kick at the can. There is no way Google can differentiate between a link aquired from another linksmanager user versus a link that is entered by hand via the "add your URL" script. Once the link is on the page there is no indication where it came from. So if Google is going to penalize any links managed by linksmanager it will have to penalize them all or none.

But I don't think Google is penalizing linksmanager pages. Here is my Links Page (http://www.yourfriendlypharmacy.com/links.html). You can see it has a PR4 PageRank. I hardly think Google would give it that PR if they were penalizing LinksManager pages. And as to recognizing the page there is an animated gif on the page that says powered by LinksManager. You could hardly be more upfront than this.

And Shawn what is wrong with reciprocal linking? It is unreasonable to expect that many people will link to you without a link back. I know there are exceptions. I link to your corporate web site in gratitude for the excellent free tools you offer, but this type of arrangement is the exception rather than the rule.

[digitalpoint]

I agree completely... From a SEO standpoint reciprocal linking is a good thing. It's not something I practice on the digitalpoint.com site, but I was fortunate enough to have a PR7 site with over 1,000 links to various points through natural linking before I ever heard the term SEO or PageRank, so I definitely had a distinct advantage as opposed to someone starting fresh (and in most cases, without anything *truely* unique to offer).

All I'm saying is that there are lots of things that ultimately defeat the purpose of PageRank... Purchasing links based on PageRank, reciprocal linking for SEO, guestbook/blog spamming, etc.

There is a difference between reciprocal linking because it's good for the user (for example a technology partners page (http://www.digitalpoint.com/portfolio/partners.html)) and reciprocal linking for the purpose of boosting rankings.

All I'm saying is from Google's standpoint, they want to be able to combat anything that can artificially skew rankings.

- Shawn

[ViciousSummer]

One more kick at the can. There is no way Google can differentiate between a link aquired from another linksmanager user versus a link that is entered by hand via the "add your URL" script. Once the link is on the page there is no indication where it came from. So if Google is going to penalize any links managed by linksmanager it will have to penalize them all or none.

But I don't think Google is penalizing linksmanager pages. Here is my Links Page (http://www.yourfriendlypharmacy.com/links.html). You can see it has a PR4 PageRank. I hardly think Google would give it that PR if they were penalizing LinksManager pages. And as to recognizing the page there is an animated gif on the page that says powered by LinksManager. You could hardly be more upfront than this.

And Shawn what is wrong with reciprocal linking? It is unreasonable to expect that many people will link to you without a link back. I know there are exceptions. I link to your corporate web site in gratitude for the excellent free tools you offer, but this type of arrangement is the exception rather than the rule.

I think that Google will (and should) eventually start penalizing linkmanager, and similar, pages. In my opinion, "reciprocal linking" is not what Google had in mind when it placed such an importance on links in relation to PR. Prior to the popularity of "exchanging links", people would only link to sites that were important/useful/interesting/etc (which in turn made Google think that that was a good way to help establish PR). Now, we exchange links because we HAVE to in order to get in the serps. Natural linking seems to be what Google was initally after, so I bet it's just a matter of time until they figure out how to filter reciprocal linking...Then it's back to the SEO drawing board for us reciprocal linkers
:rolleyes:

[compar]

so I bet it's just a matter of time until they figure out how to filter reciprocal linking

I don't think that is correct. Google doesn't like link farms, but there are lots of entirely legitmate circumstances where sites will have reciprocal links. Lets say I designed and hosted your web site. I would expect you to allow me to put my link on the bottom of your home page if not every page.

In turn I would put up a link to your page from both my company hosting page and my company design page. One would be in the category "Sites we Host" and the other in the category "Sites we Designed". So our two sites would be exchanging linkings. You think Google is going to filter these out? These entirely legitimate reciprocal links.

Hell the Internet or the web is built on links. There is no way Google is going to filter them out. What they may do is start applying some relevance value based on the theme of the page the link comes from, but they will never filter them out IMHO.

[GuyFromChicago]

I agree, I don’t Google will start filtering out reciprocal links. I think if done properly, reciprocal links can be of great benefit to your site visitors.

For the most part, the services my company provides are “local”. We do a lot of network and desktop support and are therefore pretty limited in our area of service. A lot of the reciprocal links I have are with similar companies based in different states. Our companies do the same thing, but a computer service company in New York doesn’t have to worry about me stealing a client of theirs and vice versa.

The benefit of the link exchange is that it could lead to a slight increase in business for either side. For example - I do a great job for someone locally. They are happy with the service and mention it to cousin Jim in New York. Jim visits my site and sees that it’s not possible for me to provide service for him, but, finds a link on my site to similar company that happens to be based in his area. The sites got the benefit of the link, and the link exchange itself helped Jim find the service he was looking for.

Granted this won’t happen every day, but it’s still possible.

I’ve also been pursuing reciprocal links to other sites that may have relevance to my users. Computer furniture companies for example. I don’t sell computer furniture and desks, but I can guarantee you my clients use them and could find the link to be of value.

I hope Google doesn’t start penalizing reciprocal linkers. If they do, they would be doing a disservice to their users in my opinion.

[douglaslampi]

List of Link Exchange Websites (http://www.linkpopularity.ca/linking_strategies_74.asp)


Before you take the time to register at every one of them...

- set up a directory with a form so that people can submit their site to your database,

- set up a new email address with an auto responder email telling people that you would be happy to consider their link request if they fill out the form...

- use the new email address for every Link Exchange service you sign up for.

I'm still doing my link trades by hand - but just discovered some php Link Management software that even automates the link checking.

Take the time to set up in advance for your link exchanges - save yourself my learning curve!!

Regards,

Doug

[0BroadProspect]

I think that these link exchange websites are a bad signal to google, it is better to stay away from it since it may look like a link farm, I would go with indevidual link exchange
/BP

[ViciousSummer]

I agree. I've been using linkpartners (which has worked out fine), but their automated link exchange program, Linkmanager, is a joke. Half the time your link doesn't get added, and even if it does, it won't matter because every page I've seen that uses Link manager is PR0.

[0BroadProspect]

exactly, this is the reason I wrote me own
/BP

[john_loch]

This is more like it. If there's one thing that proves a perpetual headache to me, its linkage.. I've only just noticed this thread, and I'd like to offer a few observations.. and ask a question or ten !

Firstly, I use both LinksManager/LinksPartners, (but I don't appear on linkspartners - I just use it to compliment LM) and I can say that google is not penalizing all associated sites. I **have** made use of their cosmetics controls however to ensure nothing lives at defaults, and their banner is gone etc.

The downside - and the quandry of I imagine all folks linkhunting, is the sheer time involved. Oh BTW I have no problem with link exchanges. There's alot of mundane jobs to be done, and expediting matters through sensible organization (ie link exchange sites) is a great idea, provided you remain aware of your audiences needs. In other words, if they ever bother to look at a links page/s, it had better have relevant links or they're gone (via adsense.. but lets not go there :)

Simply put, while off page criteria hold so much weight, it's important to find a way to sensibly acquire and maintain linkage - and reciprocation is the glue/courtesy that ensures all benefit.

Rambling done. Qualifying Done. Question time;

What IS the best way to secure linkage ?.. please, think about it before answering, because I've heard almost every angle.. though obviously not enough !!! - well, either that or todays seos have particularly FAT wallets/purses and simply buy it all in :)

Let me state my objective. I can't waste hours (ie linksmanager - 8 hours straight) to wade through/select 1800 odd links partners. Then receive just 420 replies thereto, the majority of which read: here's your link xxxx.asp?page=/xyz (either the links were totally useless in terms of passing PR, they didn't use the anchor text I wanted because the linkpartners email wasn't clear enough, or both).

I chose the above to demo time wastage because It's also a paid service. It's paid because even THAT is a significant improvement on the norm.

So: In simple terms, I'd really appreciate it if those of you who do it (SEOing) for a living and HAVE to know the best way to either locate and/or acquire inventory) would simply state the 5 best ways to locate quality linkage opportunities. Keeping in mind that theming & PR are extremely relevant, and that for competitive reasons you're not going to disclose the golden geese, any realistic observations would be really helpful. A new fresh look at this, given emerging resources etc..

Let me begin with:

Structured Searches (engines)
Sites offering brokerage or management
Auction sites offering.. well.. auctions
Xchange Automation Software (desktop binaries)

The above tend to either be extremely time consuming, expensive, ill advised, or all three. My view is volume/relevant linkage >= pr3 would be preferred above a few highly priced PR8s.. time.

Anyone ? :cool:

[ViciousSummer]

Firstly, I use both LinksManager/LinksPartners, (but I don't appear on linkspartners - I just use it to compliment LM) and I can say that google is not penalizing all associated sites. I **have** made use of their cosmetics controls however to ensure nothing lives at defaults, and their banner is gone etc.


Do you mind if I check out your links page? I'm just curious to see how a Linkmanager page looks after using the cosmetic controls.

[john_loch]

Hi ViciousSummer,

I prefer not to part with URL's, as you'll notice from my profile (or absence thereof). Having access yourself to the LM interface tho, you could try tweaking your own - CSS can do a lot for a site, not to mention you can name your files whatever you want (ie info1_x.php), and add headers, footers etc, remove banner, remove/include search functionality etc.

If all you want to do is verify PR on LM pages - and cross referencing said pages **would** prove useful for you, simply go take a look at LM's robots.txt file. Therein you'll find a comprehensive list of all current account directories. Have a trawl and see for yourself.

Hope that helps :)

[ginostylz]

I heard that yahoo is targeting againt linkspartner too.
Link swapping isn't all that bad. But try to keep it tightly themed.

[GuyFromChicago]

I've probably already posted this here, but I've been having good luck with www.ipagerank.com

It's new, and the board doesn't have a lot of posts yet, but there's a lot of PM'ing and e-mailing that goes on between members to get linking done. While it's not the grand liking solution, it is a good place to possibly pick up 4 - 5 decent links. After a couple weeks of posting I've acquired (and given) a few very nice (PR4+) links.

It's lacks any automation at this point, so in my opinion it's not very useful for anyone looking for a one stop source for dozens (or hundreds) of high quality links. It can be good for a few links, and isn't a bad stop off for any site owner that's doing a little seo.

[ginostylz]

I built my rep link pages from scratch. I accept who I want, when I want too. I personally email anyone I want to swap with and personalize it, or I keep it short. but never do I try to teach the value of swapping links to a well established site because they already know if they have a links page, and I'm not looking to convert sites into putting one up. I'll let Zeus do that job.

If you make all your link pages from scratch, you can apply each page with its own title and meta content. When I search for things unrelated to my site, I tend to pop up a bit if my link partner has something to do with the intended keyword.

[mcdar]

...

So: In simple terms, I'd really appreciate it if those of you who do it (SEOing) for a living and HAVE to know the best way to either locate and/or acquire inventory) would simply state the 5 best ways to locate quality linkage opportunities. Keeping in mind that theming & PR are extremely relevant, and that for competitive reasons you're not going to disclose the golden geese, any realistic observations would be really helpful. A new fresh look at this, given emerging resources etc..

Let me begin with:

Structured Searches (engines)
Sites offering brokerage or management
Auction sites offering.. well.. auctions
Xchange Automation Software (desktop binaries)

The above tend to either be extremely time consuming, expensive, ill advised, or all three. My view is volume/relevant linkage >= pr3 would be preferred above a few highly priced PR8s.. time.

Anyone ? :cool:

john_loch,

I have also struggled with this one! It is incredibly time consuming.

Since I have come to the realization that Backlinks are indeed a neccessary evil, I have set out, reluctantly, to tackle a job I had procrastinated in doing for quite a long time.

This has really been the motivation for me to create a lot of little tools to help save time.

One method I use to find sites to request links from is finding the sites that link to my competitors. It works for them, why not me?

There are plenty of Link Popularity Tools out there but I did not find any that also included Yahoo, so I made one up.
Link Popularity Tool (http://www.mcdar.net/linkpop/LinkPopTool.asp)

I look up the links pointing to my competitors. The tool gives links reported by Google, MSN, HotBot, AltaVista, Yahoo, and AllTheWeb. I can just click on the numbers reported by the tool and it takes me right to the search on that particular search engine.

Now I have a tidy list of pages my competitor's link is listed on. I just go to the site and find where I can email for the inclusion of my page as well.

My logic is that, if these links on these sites have done well for my competitors, why not me. My competitors have already done the leg work of finding suitable sites to link with, why not capitalize on this.

Actually, I have made another database driven program that stores all contacts, automatically checks all links, pre-links, sends emails, edits your link page, etc. It pretty much does everything LinkManager does accept it is located on your own website.

I am trying to finish up the documantation on this Link Page Developer Tool then I will become available. (it probably will not be free though)


Caryl

[leeds1]

Caryl

You are just too good

Thanks very much for that

I have found that most people don't bother to reply even if you offer a link exchange - it's a very time consuming business

[mcdar]

Yes, there are a lot of no replies. But, we have found a lot of good solid links with this method.

We just started with the #1 site in our category and went through their linking partners, then on to #2...

It was obvious that the sites linking to our competitors were willing to link to sites in our category and already had a linking program established. The link pages we found most always had some info. regarding who to contact regarding linking.

I certainly have been tempted to join one of the link exchange programs but I am leery as I think they make for big targets when Google decides to go hunting!

Thats just me...

[ferret77]

s8a.com has a few links to trade with

[debunked]

I don't reply to most of the link exchange requests I have been getting. Most are comming from those automated systems which I feel are basically link farms. Most of the sites requesting exchanges are not related to them at all. The ones that are related, well, they suck at quality (usually worse than how our site started out in 98 when I was using frontpage express that came with the lame compaq I bought to get started on.)

So I am willing to exchange links and answer e-mails if the site asking has something to offer either related or of some sort of quality.

[ferret77]

well aren't you a cut above

[Dominic]

Carly - thats a great tool, interesting you use the linkdomain: command for yahoo (didn't know about that one). I'm very interested in the expanded tool you are developing - I think you may have quite a money maker on your hands there!

McDar - I do the same thing (looking to those who link to top ranking sites) and have picked up some great links that way. Great minds think alike!

[GuyFromChicago]

I really don't respond to the automated requests either. Just about every link I've ever got has been "manual". I probably still have one or two up somewhere from the times I played around with the automated programs.

[disgust]

I use arelis to request links, that's "sort of" automated.

however I only ask for on topic links..

[NewComputer]

I have heard of arelis before, what are your reviews of this product? Automated link inlcusions scare me, but there may be something to it.

[jason444]

Kinldy let me know if any one can give me PR 6 & 7 links and let me know the pricing structure and all.