From which method we get accurate results? Either from "Link:" or from seeing the links for our site from Google Web Master Tools? which Links are accurate that are indexed by Google as Link: status shows very less backlinks as compared to Webmaster tool link status. Pls help me in knowing this.........
If they will have a comparison in between these 2 important tools, I will be at the side of Google Webmaster Tool. Why? Cause I already experience using this tool for a year and I find it reliable, giving me an accurate results.
using the link:www.site.com method is not reliable as only some of the results are returned. I am unsure about the webmaster tools method but I would believe that this is more reliable due to google requiring a login and validation before such data can be viewed.
To check link popularity you should check using different tools because webmaster tools only shows the links which have higher value.
In addition to that, you can also use submitexpress in checking your site Link Popularity. This site gives me reliable results.