I have been doing various link building projects, including blog commenting, forum commenting, article writing, social bookmarking and contextual ads, but then someone contacted me telling me they could exchange links, they told me my link was on their site (PR4) and their was an existing link on my site for them on an un ranked page for some reason. They then told me that my link would be removed if I didn't give them another link on a ranked page, which I have no problems with...now here is the strange part! I checked the page were my link is on their site and the webpage has been unranked! Does that mean that my links will be under review by Google? My efforts have been paying off and I have been climbing the Google ladder to #3 spot on the 1st page.
Link exchange has come under scanner because of all the automated link exchange scripts etc. I would avoid such exchanges completely. Many times the link exchangers are try to fool you with dropped domains / fake PR and of course with shadow domains that they stop promoting as soon as all link spots have been used in exchanges.
In addition to the reasons stated above, exchanged links are harder to get juice from anymore, as Google can more accurately identify link exchange footprints and discount the links. So even if you aren't caught up in the very real possibilities outlined by jitendraag, there is one more hurdle to clear. Exchanges aren't worth your time, I'd continue with the other strategies you listed and move on.
I would also avoid doing link exchanges.. it sounds like you're on the right path! Keep commenting, social bookmarking, forums, articles... these are the tools of champion underdogs man! I can get a site hitting over 2000 uniques in the first month using the methods that you listed. If it's a blog that you're managing.. start linking to others in your content - the WILL link back. Don't forget about trackbacks as well... Keep doing what you're doing!
I would also avoid doing link exchanges.. it sounds like you're on the right path! Keep commenting, social bookmarking, forums, articles... these are the tools of champion underdogs man! I can get a site hitting over 2000 uniques in the first month using the methods that you listed. If it's a blog that you're managing.. start linking to others in your content - the WILL link back. Don't forget about trackbacks as well... Keep doing what you're doing!
Hmm.. I personally never done link exchange, sometimes I buy links, but I previously had a bad experience with it if you don't keep it up.. If you really committed make sure that you keep track of what you've paid for
That's the annoying part about trying to link exchange on DP - they all want to leave your link on a dropped domain... No thanks.
You should not do direct link exchange e.g. you link to site A from your site B and Site A links to Site B. link exchange should be always 3 way or 4 way to avoid google spiders.
Wow, I think you like one way link exchange 3 way is a strategic way to get one way link but you must sacrifice one of your site.
Thanks for the tip that commenting, bookmarking and forums are the best way to build links. It's hard to get a site with high PR link your site especially if your site is new.