I have beed adding links to my Health website for about 2 years, slowly and all ONE way. My new SEO guy says it looks un-natural and I need to have SOME (5-8) out bound links. My first though was to simply place some out bound links to already high PR sites, but where I wouldnt loose any business. Naturally....I own a health site, so I choose webMD. My question is, do I need out bound links, to look legit. Please only answer this thread if you are SURE and have seen the results of both yourself. Not what you've read. I am learning there is alot of here say in this field and perfer only people with experience. So....I am looking for true, real world experience, I can read all the other stuff myself. Thanks in advance to all. Sean
I have seen results first hand on one of my sites, which I have no IBL's, just outbound links (although a large quantity of them and to a single very reputable and related website). I managed to top the SERPs for many of my targeted keywords on this alone (admittedly, I did get some backlinks because the content was quality, but none of them were from high-authority sites) So I'd say, yes, you should link to some related but non-competitor websites. Not just to look legit, but to help google place your content better into the keyword category. Personal opinion that's not well tested: If the bot sees a website linking to 10 medical websites with authority, it will place that site in the medical keyword range and possibly increase your SERPs.
One of the great benefits of outbound links is that you might get a backlink without even asking for it. If a webmaster sees that your website sends him a lot of traffic, he will likely link back to you in return. Happened to me on more than one occassion and I usually do the same when someone one-links to me and sends me traffic.
Your SEO guy is at least partly right, seen very positive results with links to authority sites on the same topic for a music store and an music instruments website of mine for example, outbound links CAN help your rankings. Just make sure not to link all of them in one block in the footer or similar, since google's link selling detection seems to be way too sensitive and you may trigger a penalty. I'd recommend putting them "in content", in a text/article/whatever based on the linked sites topic for example. Websites without outbound links can do very well, too, got several high ranking ones on topics without linkworthy non-competing sites around, it's NOT a must have. Bottom line: Give it a try, especially if you seem to be stuck in a SERP position or see competitors moving up faster. I'd add 2 instantly, then 1 every 2 weeks until you are at around 8 and closely monitor how you are doing...the risks are very low, but since the site never had outbound links before I wouldn't instantly bump all of them on your site.
I don't see the logic in that, I think IBLs and OBLs are (should) be treated differently and not relative to one another. Can you please explain your statement? Thanks. Please note, I don't know whether IBL's need to be more than OBL's or vice versa, I'm just speculating.
I'm gonna agree with Stark. He pretty much covered it. People are so worried about losing page rank. Just no follow your external links if you're so worried about it. But, it's pretty natural to link out. I agree with Stark. Keep them in context. M
Yes, they are treated differently. You are the one who can control the OBLs while the IBLs you cant sometimes... Since some links to you even not related.. Thats it IBLs...