Real Estate Forums

SEOWolf · 03-02-2007, 09:52 AM

It looks like Reciprocal linking is starting to lose ground with the Search Engines big time.

I am now seeing sites with single digit back links appearing in the top of the SERPS.

I pray that this trend last. I for one would rather spend my time on updating content for my visitors instead of chasing down links then babysitting link partners.

What are your thoughts? Are the Search Engines getting it right for a change?

Thanks,

~VegasMack

HHI Golf Guy · 03-03-2007, 09:28 AM

Reciprocal links are not dead. However, quality links are trumping quantity of links. When you build links - recip or not - think TrustRank and not PageRank.

Even recips on Google supplemental index pages are OK - if the site is a quality, trusted web site.

For years, my strategy has been to trade links only with other sites that I consider to be quality web sites. Combined with very strong on-page SEO, this strategy has worked for me. In general, I my top ranked sites have 30%-50% less links than the other sites in the top 10.

neuronicone · 03-30-2007, 03:02 AM

for me, reciprocal links are not dead. it only happens that search engines are looking more of links embedded in texts, however, so long, as you link with related, legitimates sites, there would be no negative effect on this in the next update.

i have been doing link building since 2003, and many clients are ordering reciprocal linking,i have not heard them complaining, although, we really specify the grounds and limitations, as well, as hammering which sites are to be contacted for link exchange. it doesnt matter if you deal with reciprocal link change, or non reciprocal link exchange. sometimes, people just go with the trends.

well, were dealing with outsourcing too. IM me for further questions.

Orlando MLS · 02-11-2008, 08:25 AM

I know this is an old thread, but I was reading on another site that reciprocal links are a thing of the past now. Is this true in '08 or have reciprocal links just reduced in value?

I know of a group of realtors that show up for the top search terms in their city that have all linked their sites together (about 50 of them) and the reciprocal links are all showing up on the front page of their websites.

Could front page reciprocal links hold more value given the fact that they have higher PR on the home page?

HHI Golf Guy · 02-11-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orlando MLS

I know of a group of realtors that show up for the top search terms in their city that have all linked their sites together (about 50 of them) and the reciprocal links are all showing up on the front page of their websites.

That's not a very good idea. In the long run the SE's will probably detect it as a link network and discount those links and/or penalize the sites involved.

Proper link building is a long, arduous task. If you try to game the search engines you may in fact see some short term gains (12-18 months). But in the long run most of those sites usually pay the price.

SEOWolf · 02-15-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHI Golf Guy

That's not a very good idea. In the long run the SE's will probably detect it as a link network and discount those links and/or penalize the sites involved.

Proper link building is a long, arduous task. If you try to game the search engines you may in fact see some short term gains (12-18 months). But in the long run most of those sites usually pay the price.

I agree completely HHI Golf Guy. Just because someone hasn’t been caught does not mean that they won’t get caught.

A great example is the recent Real Estate Webmasters Google penalty that REW was under for fraudulent blog comment links. REW has since rebounded in Google but the long term affects of all of the lost links suffered by their clients is yet to be determined.

It makes no sense to spend that time and or money building links in a link scheme just to have them wiped out overnight. Far better to take the time to do it properly so you have a better chance of maintaining your position in the SEs. Don’t build your links, your rankings or your business on a shaky foundation.

I have started a new thread on One-Way Links that I would love some input on.

~VegasMack

NealRM · 02-15-2008, 03:19 PM

I have to agree. Trading links with everyone just to improve page rank is over. Links need to go back to there orginal purpose of proving complementary information or help browse find the information they are seeking.

I have started a little experiment of my own with respect of directing visitor toward the information they are seeking. I receive traffic from areas that I do not support. I would like to direct this traffic to realtors that do support those areas. To do this I have set up rotating ad banners on my site. Per Google guildlines these only pass traffic. In return for the banner, I am asking for a regular link back to my site. In effect, this is a traffic for SEO juice trade.

I have this going already for a site in California. They are receiving 5 to 8 visitors a day via the banner (this is per my banner traffic program). I am looking for others that are willing to try this out and provide feedback (both good and bad). Untill the concept is proving I am limiting the number to 10 or 15 sites. If it works out, I may expand the offer.

If anyone has any comments please let me know.

teamaguilar · 02-17-2008, 05:44 AM

no, are not dead, just somewhat devaluated if you are not in SE limits.

NealRM · 02-17-2008, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Devaluing directories and paid advertising was an easy move for Google to make, especially going after paid advertising.

This needs to be clarified a little. Google went after paid advertising that passed SEO juice. Google does not have any issue with selling or buying advertisements that follow its guild lines. So ads are back to were they should be, as a means of informing others about your product or moving traffic to your site.

SEOWolf · 02-19-2008, 10:13 AM

Neal that is something I would like to hear HHI Golf Guy delve into in detail.

~VegasMack