Link exchange and Google Opinion on it

Hello,

I believe I am posting in the right place and if not sorry.
Please note: This is not a request for link exchange, but a request for the brilliant minds at DP for a opinion.

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So, I have a Pr5 client who does not advertise on their site and does not plan on to (Google Paid links hunt has scared them from even considering it). They are interested in link exchanges with other health sites.

The concern is:
A. If my client place a link on their site, how will it be seen by google? Can the client place it anywhere on their site, or is it best for the link to be placed in a "Partner" or "Links" Page to not be considered a paid link.

B. Is it better to do a link exchange with another site on a site wide basis, a Main page basis (www.mainsite.com/index.html) or on a Partners link page basis?

Thank you for your time

 

Matt Cutts recommends "people avoid excessive reciprocal links."

http://www.stonetemple.com/articles/interview-matt-cutts.shtml

I have found that relevant reciprocal links placed contextually on content pages or blog posts are the most effective. This is good for the user and definitely not excessive like building a page full of out-bound links.

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with reciprocal links.

Excessive reciprocal linking is another thing entirely.

- Matt

 

Google is not stupid. They will check both websites' links to categorize one link as paid link or as link exchanges.

 

Thank you for the responses. This will help my client made a sound decision.

 

If the site has different pages/different categories, deep links could help...but your priority should be on the main page...

 

i agree... main page is the most important to all..

 

i think link exchange will not help your serp or pr.

i think google will ignore all of those links

 

I think from recent experience there is still a little gain from link x, albeit not as much weight given as 1 way...nothing new here, but i just thought i'd state my personal experience from the recent PR update.

 

Before you post try to read this link scheme http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=66356.

 

yes...it only mentions excessive link exchanging...and link pages.

If you exchange maybe 5-10 (homepage) links with relevant (google cached) sites, i see no problem with that. Steer clear of:

- sites with no google cache
- link pages
- loads of recip links
- sites not strictly related

 

Yup, You see no problem with that its becuase you are not Google.

 

mmmm...

 

Reciprocal links do have some weight, but not as much as a one way link.

And Google doesn't discount reciprocals entirely. Many of the biggest websites link to each other naturally. Does it mean that they are doing link exchanges to boost their rankings ? No.

It would be better if the link is relevant, or in some way related to the site.

As for the sitewide, home page or links question- it is totally up to you.

 

Yeah, if you your reciprocal link is in a content page or if is togheter with other links, it changes a lot!