Link Building vs. Link Exchanges

[WebGeek182]

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to start a new conversation on this topic as there seem to be some huge misconceptions that link exchanges are a GOOD idea. I want to emphasize that it's an old technique that might have worked in 2000, but it doesn't in 2007. Search engines are wise to link exchange programs, automated link programs, link farms, and the like. (For example, Google has an entire team of people dedicate to spam-detection, as I'm sure Yahoo and MSN do.) Reciprocal links between two sites are not counted as highly as one-way links in most cases. Not to say that two quality sites with similar themes are never going to link to each other. (See this article on good reciprocal linking.) It's just that it shouldn't be your linkbuilding strategy. The best way to get link juice in the search engines is to spend time first creating quality content, and second getting links from quality sites.

Quick and lazy schemes are increasingly worth less, so avoid them. Here's a good rule of thumb, if it's super-easy and super-fast, avoid it. Period.

There are some linkbuilding resources out there for everyone here who wants to build legitimate, quality links. Feel free to post more resources here. I just wanted to get you started.

Feel free to share your thoughts and input on this topic, even if you disagree with my point of view. After all this is a conversation.

[fathom]

hmmm... Google's directory links to dmoz & dmoz links to Google Directory...

how does Google [and search engines in general] determine a link exchange between 2 one-way links non-mutually provided... that is to say the motive for each link wasn't...

DMOZ: "I'll link to you Google, if you link to me."

Google: "OK but if you use sneaky link tricks I'll remove my link."

Professionally I believe "the link isn't the problem".

[EGOL]

Choice D.... "Content Promotion"

[lovekills_s]

Choice "E" Link Exchanges: a part of Link Building ..

[pro_seo]

Choice "F" LinkBait

[WebGeek182]

Regarding D,E, and F, I'd include all of those in "Link Building".

[salesmachine]

Link building is better. This includes all the types and ways of building links. It cannot only help you to boost your se rankings but also your traffic.

[Peetter123]

hi,
Link building is a better option but when you are new to seo it is not an effective strategy as some sites will demand a link exchange it means exchanging their links with some other site.

[kundi]

I wouldn't generalize that link exchange is bad. It can be good if you know how to do it and who to exchange it with. Of course getting links from various brokers that have tens or hundreds of links on their sites can do more harm. I would say that exchanging links can be good when done properly, and of course link-building is the most important aspect of any SEO.

[fathom]

I wouldn't generalize that link exchange is bad. It can be good if you know how to do it and who to exchange it with. Of course getting links from various brokers that have tens or hundreds of links on their sites can do more harm. I would say that exchanging links can be good when done properly, and of course link-building is the most important aspect of any SEO.

Doing it properly implies "doing one" as one exchange does not tie you to a motive. Linking just for the sake of linking (as the link intuitive nature of exchanges) violates Google's Guidelines

Reference: Link schemes - Webmaster Tools Help

The following are examples of link schemes which can negatively impact a site's ranking in search results:

• Excessive link exchanging ("Link to me and I'll link to you")

What could be debatable is what EXCESSIVE implies.

I would argue any amount used to drive results in Google is excessive.

[hadidbd]

I wouldn't take a broad view to facilitate link barter is bad. It can be sunny if you know how to see to it and who to barter it with. Of itinerary getting relatives from various brokers to facilitate experience tens or hundreds of relatives on their sites can see to more cause detriment. I would say to facilitate exchanging relatives can be sunny while through right, and of itinerary link-building is the for the most part significant aspect of several SEO.

[joseph02]

Link building is always better than link exchange.

[Gurmeet]

My choice is Link building. It is always be the best.