The mad scramble for building reciprocal links with anybody that has a pulse and a website should now be officially labeled as a waste of time. Google is no longer impressed when they see that your pet supplies site has a meaningless, reciprocal link with a riverboat casino. Their search algorithms are so intelligent they can tell the difference between relevant links and bogus ones. As you might guess, Google automatically de-values the bogus ones.
This development doesn’t mean that link building no longer works; it just means that thoughtless, irrelevant link building won’t pass the test anymore. Relevant links from and to other sites are still a basic and important way search engines judge the value and trustworthiness of your website in the bigger context of the Internet community.
So the real question is: how do you build links in a way that generates valuable links in Google’s eyes? Here are a few guidelines that will get you started in the right direction:
- Don’t build your links too fast because Google will see your activity as a large, red flag emblazoned with the word “SPAM.”
- Build links with a relevant context in mind. If you have a pet supplies site, linking to sites that feature leash-free dog parks, pet charities, veterinarians, dog trainers, boarding facilities, animal shelters, pet shows and so forth, would be examples of relevant links.
- Build links with high-quality, relevant sites. If you are a member of professional organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, link to their sites and ask them to list your website in your member information.
- Rent links from a reputable link broker like www.text-link-ads.com. Top websites know their value in the link-building world and, like most things in life; you get what you pay for. If you don’t have the time to link build on your own, a broker is the perfect alternative.
- Be an event sponsor for a charity that is close to your heart or a professional conference in your industry. Event sites always link back to their sponsors.
I hope I’ve helped you understand that link building as a search engine marketing strategy is in a new era now, and you have to do it the right way to reap the rewards.
As always, if you’re ready to power your site and improve your rankings with Search Engine Marketing, give Corporate Performance Artists a call, and we’ll show you some ways to get started.
