Google Defines Its ‘Link’ Policy

Google’s webmaster guidelines are a great reality check for newbie optimizers when it comes to separating the wheat from the chaff. Recently, Google added some information on Link Schemes to their webmaster guidelines that is worth a read. In a nutshell:

  • Create Good content – make your site ‘link worthy’
  • Use common sense when linking out – ask yourself – will this benefit my site users?
  • Build a quality site and link to quality sites
  • Avoid ‘exchanging links’ just to ‘get’ a link. If it doesn’t make sense for your site to link to that site – don’t.
  • Avoid building partner pages solely to exchange links without any benefit to your site user

There are so many ways to build quality links today, that the old ‘link exchange’ is hopefully soon dying… and good riddance. It worked once – just like keyword meta tags did in 2001 – it doesn’t work so well now … so move on. Let common sense be your guide. If it doesn’t make sense for you to link to this site and for that site to link to you – then don’t. Focus on your site, ‘market’ yourself, and the links will likely come to you!

About Sara Mannix

Sara Mannix founded Mannix in 1996 with a goal to get clients found on the web through organic search engine optimization (SEO). The company now serves over 1500 clients worldwide and employs a team of 30 specialists, operating under the tagline "Success Measured." The tagline reflects the company's focus on measurable results for every client. This multifaceted company is an industry leader, specializing in organic SEO, conversion rate optimization, SEO-friendly website design, paid advertising (PPC). Mannix Marketing has two divisions, one side is focused on lead generation for nationally competitive businesses. The other side is focused on local businesses. Mannix has one of the largest portfolios of tourism and city guides in Upstate New York. These guides, (Albany.com, Saratoga.com, LakeGeorge.com, and Adirondack.net etc), reach over 10 million visitors a year. Corresponding social media profiles for the region extend this reach to millions every month.

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