I have a feeling this will generate some heat from the Active SEO group :) 

How valuable are link exchanges? 

How valuable are one way inbound links? 

In your experince, what has yieled greater returns, strong partnerships or strong content?  

 

 

 

 
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Post is included in group: Realtors Link Exchange For (SEO) Search Engine Optimization
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48 Comments on Some open ended questions...

OCT
05
2007

In my experience there are no straightforward answers to these questions but I will take a stab at answering and exploring them based on my experiences.

How valuable are link exchanges?  Less valuable than they used to be but they can still be valuable. When webmasters first discovered the power of the link they began trading links with everyone they could find. This was great for a while and sites began rocketing up the SERP. When Google began seeing real estate sites linking to viagra sites and all kinds of obviously manipulative linking practices they tweaked their algorithm to discount link exchanges. Now that does not mean that they are worthless though. I believe that Google's algo has gotten smarter and can differentiate an on topic and relevant link exchange and a link exchange meant to manipulate search results. If your site has a few high quality link exchanges as part of a diverse link profile you will get some benefit from link exchanges. If your site has nothing but traded links with any site under the sun you will not and you may be penalized as a link farm depending on how far you go.  One thing to note if you do a link exchange, make sure the site you are linking to is not considered bad by Google. Do a site: search in Google and make sure they are well indexed. Also look around the site and verify they are not doing anything shady. You can't be penalized by links coming to your site but if you link out to a bad neighborhood you may be.

How valuable are one way inbound links? One way links are the best links to get especially of they are natural. Generally they are better than link exchanges but again it depends on the source. If they are one way links from a well indexed page that is relevant to your site they are great. If they are links from a site that is not indexed or barely indexed they are not worth much. If they are from a site that has nor relevance to your site they may not be worth much. If they appear to be paid links they may not be worth much. One way links really can't hurt you but if the engine determines they are from a bad site or not natural they can be discounted or not counted at all. The goal should be to attract quality one way links naturally and if you can do that you will do well. If you try to manipulate the engines by getting spammy one way links you will not be penalized but the work you put into it will be wasted because those links will not help. In general one way links are the best but it is important to get quality links instead of a getting a ton of worthless links.

In your experience, what has yielded greater returns, strong partnerships or strong content?  In my experience it is content. The thing with great content is that it is able to attract great links and partnerships. So in essence by just getting link trades the only benefit I got was the link. By developing good content I am not only able to get good links but I have also developed real partnerships with related blogs and sites that are much more beneficial than a simple link swap. Content is king, not only because it sets you apart as an authority but also because it attracts good quality one way links and a more robust partner and customer base.

7:59am • #1
Mike thanks for the great response.  Very solid information.  
8:47am • #2
3 Featured Posts

Yes Mark, did you leave anything to be said?  well done.  I have not seen the benefits of linking to my site as of yet.  But I did see the benefit of great content and outbound links on my hubby's site which I worked tirelessly on before mine. The PPC, ads and Craigslist also helped a bunch.  A one time I was linking to the Craigslist Ads as well and he shot to the first page for many terms. 

Hands down being on AR is the best thing I have done for my web presence.  I am still working to get my site where it needs to be as well but i have easy links to my site in my blog profile and have generated leads from AR already.

12:39pm • #3

Sharon, a lot of times the positive benefits inbound links are difficult to see but as long as it is a good link there is going to be some benefit. It may not make you jump to the top of Google but it adds trust to our site and will eventually help you move up.

AR is huge IMO. It is full of fresh and unique content, which Google loves. It has tons of backlinks and lots of trust. Having AR links to your independent blogs and sites from AR can provide a huge boost. And as you build your AR profile up you build up the quality of backlinks to your other sites. It also opens your site up to a much larger audience who are interested in your services. 

12:47pm • #4
OCT
16
2007
3 Featured Posts

Rob,

Thank you for inviting me into the SEO group today.  I've already learned several things reading the posts from the group members.  I'm reading, listening, and learning!

 

9:47pm • #5
OCT
21
2007
1 Featured Post
Well stated Mark.  Good quality unique content, content, content will drive quality links.
8:21am • #6
OCT
22
2007
Mark, another excellent post! There is one more benefit to quality inbound links. When Googlebot caches those links, it may follow them back to you. If your site is constantly improving with fresh content, you can train the Googlebot to visit your site on a regular basis. My current schedule is weekly for the main page and monthly on minor pages.
9:10am • #7
OCT
23
2007
Yeah Rene, the more good links you have the more often Googlebot will visit and if you have updated and unique content all the time it will grow to love your site. Of course as you add more compelling content more people will link to you which leads Google back to your site more often.
8:56am • #8
OCT
24
2007

I would have to agree with the inbound links from authoritative sources being a huge help.  2 areas I have found signifcant increase in my ranking are from paid and well reconized directories that don't require a link back but for sure the best way I have been able to increase my links and rankings the most significantly   is through my real estate blog that I have at a separate domain that has tons of links to my primary site.  My primary site being www.mymaineproperty.com and then my blog www.mainepropertyblog.com, built on word press software,( ie free and easy to set up) links back through all sorts of avenues and anchor texts to the first site.

 

 

John Herrigel
6:37am • #9
Was not logged in when I made the last comment but I am on AR as well :)
6:38am • #10
591,291 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog
I always think strong partnerships yield greater return. But you're the SEO expert you tell us.
5:18pm • #11
OCT
25
2007
I know for a fact the link to Active Rain and the blogging has increased traffic to websites.  I don't know the specifics as to how, but referrals and inquiries are coming to us thanks to Active Rain's network.
11:13am • #12

Rob thanks for the invitation to join this group.  I am fairly new to blogging and Activeran (started late in August)

I am still reading and learning, but have a long way to go.  So far I have not had any leads generated through my blogging.  That is why I am looking for tips on how to improve.  Feel free to take a look at my blog and critic what you see or make any suggestions that might help.

All of this information on Googlebots etc. are still a little comfusing to me especially about training the bot.....where do you get training to do this?   LOL

I am enjoying this a lot, but time is limited.  Thanks again for the invitation.

11:39am • #13
OCT
31
2007
Ask and you shall receive. Godd responses.
2:30am • #14
Content is very important, but it doesn't get crawled without links.  The more the better.
10:15pm • #15
NOV
16
2007
Outside Blog
Agent to agent link exchange use to be recommended but will get you penalized through yahoo and google. I've been told that creating accounts through social bookmark websites and book marking your site is good through the eyes of google. I did that with about 8 of them and I did see a small improvement in my rankings, although nothing to brag about since I moved from page 64 to page 51, but hey, it's a start!
3:48pm • #16
DEC
27
2007

How valuable are link exchanges? 

They have limited value, and their value varies with the type, context and the design of the links page. At the bottom end are directory listings, and many broker and agent sites use these. I do, but I keep the links within the context of my site--and the links pages are html . This affords me a little bit of credit for my outbound links.

How valuable are one way inbound links? 

They are a bit more valuable. Again, their value varies with the type, context and the design of the linking page. By design, I do not mean the cosmetic eye-appeal of the page. Rather, the development of the <head> content and page content, and whether it is contextual. If it's a "links" page, such links have very little value.

In your experince, what has yieled greater returns, strong partnerships or strong content?  

Both! You won't get far without content. As for partnership, that's something I will soon address in a post to this group. It will address a strategy I developed several years ago that synthesizes the best elements of Web site development into an incredibly effective reciprocal link partnership.

 

3:38pm • #17
DEC
29
2007
1 Featured Post
Does anyone know if text URL references to a web site (but are not links) will help a site? Do any of the search engines factor this in?
8:26pm • #18
DEC
31
2007
I agree that great content is the best bang for you buck. I have also found that several blogs offering different content drives people to my sites. We have five blogs running at the moment and get more referral links from our external blogs that we do from anywhere else. I have also noticed a large subset of links coming from MySpace and Facebook lately. I figure you already have the answers to your question so I thought I would just toss in my 2 cents. :) -cem
12:31am • #19
242,247 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Rob,

I am like chris, I have several blogs that are getting me leads. Also, I got one of my websites to number 1 for several search terms by swapping realtor links. That does not work anymore. I believe the search engines just like lots of fresh content and that is why our blogs are doing so well on the search engines.

7:38am • #20
JAN
08
2008

I have had good results by using my own blog and creating links back to my site (read Blogging for Realtors).  Having a high AR points seems to be helpful as well.

Good luck.

2:09am • #21
JAN
09
2008
John, text URL references can help, but it gives them more weight if they are links.
9:12pm • #22
MAY
22
2008

1 ) How valuable are link exchanges? 

I perfer to look at actual search results, as opposed to a reilance on SEO theory.

In most of the large and competitive metro areas (in terms of SEO), you will invariably find active reciprocators on the first page results, many with hundreds of home and real estate related links.  Many of them rely on recirpcation as their only significant method of getting links.

The bottom line, it works, when done properly. Do not join "link clubs", though.

2) How valuable are one way inbound links? 

Links are links. Get as many links as you can, one way or reciprocated. Over-analyzing links is largely a waste of time. Spend time getting them, not analyzing them

3) In your experince, what has yieled greater returns, strong partnerships or strong content?  

The most successful real estate sites that we see, in terms of SEO (and we look at hundreds, regularly), are the ones who get as many links as they can, combined with very well optimized content. 

10:23am • #23
JUN
05
2008

Thanks

Really this seo content very informative for seo executive...............................

lokesh

SEO Analyst

iconnectgroup.com

 

lokesh
6:48am • #24
JUN
17
2008

How valuable are link exchanges? Not much now. Good for PR but not too useful for google SERPs. I devote 10-15% of my total time. I rarely engage in active solicitation of links. Generally act on request that we get. Asking for links is very time consuming and doesn't pay well. Time will be better spent on Blogs, articles directories etc.

How valuable are one way inbound links? Better then reciprocal. For reasons known to everybody. Try 3 way if you cannot get 1 way links

In your experince, what has yieled greater returns, strong partnerships or strong content? Content! It's better for your site, better for your site visitors. As with all cases site should have Optimized content backed up with other SEO steps like blogs, articles, directory, links etc.

1:32am • #25
JUN
25
2008

I would agree with Mark's initial comments.  I would put a bit more weight on link exchanges then he does.  I think the reason why link exchanges have got a bad wrap is that you have to overcome the previous link exchanges that your competition has done and probably is continuing to do, so you'll need a plan to overcome their significant head start.

Check out more SEO Real Estate Commentary on my SEO Blog.

12:26am • #26
OCT
15
2008

These are probably the questions everyone is asking.

Links- I think inbound links are way better than link exchanges.  What I have found to be a great thing that most people don't do, but one person mentioned it previously, is to have multiple sites.  Then you can do link exchanges without it really being a "direct" exchange.  You link to them from site 1.  They link back to your site 2.

Content vs. Links- From what I have found, content puts you on the first page and links get you on the top of the first page.  I have about a dozen sites and I can get to the first page easily, but after that it is tougher work.

6:42pm • #27
OCT
23
2008
111,928 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

STRONG CONTENT!  Content is king right?  A one way link is far more valuable than an exchange, just because that's all it is - an exchange.  It doesn't indicate that your site is so valuable someone would independently link to it.

3:22pm • #28
3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

I agree that inbound links are better than link exchanges.  I still try to do a few exchanges, but my primary focus is content, content and more content.

10:05pm • #29
OCT
27
2008

Thanks Rob for starting this conversation and thanks everybody for great comments and information. I'm learning new things everyday

11:45pm • #30
NOV
07
2008
Outside Blog

I think content is always the best way to keep your web presence on the high ranking.

after all, if you have no content, why would the visitors find your website valueable?

you have nothing to give... even if you get them on the site, they will probably leave in 2 secs since nowsdays everyone has a very short attention spam.

8:13pm • #31
NOV
16
2008
Localism Sponsor

I thig the content is the "KING". You have to have something to talk about it so others will follow you.

Grace

6:22pm • #32
DEC
15

The more research I do, the more I seem to belive that content that is easy to find on your site and easy to read is critica given the short attention spans of so many of the readers.

 

 

12:40pm • #33
DEC
28
2 Featured Posts

Thank you guys for this info.  I have been half heatedly working on my SEO.  I do appreciate the focus.

I do not have a great feeling about link exchanges, but that is all it is.  I just don't know why I would link to a hot tub manufacturer in Arizona.  What does that have to do with me.

I think the oneway links are where I will concentrate

That and great content.

Thanks again.

9:38pm • #34
DEC
29
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Advanced Access had us remove all our links with other real estate sites after telling us thats what we should be doing.  Is it good to link with other real estate agents or not? 

9:19am • #35
JAN
07

Thanks for sharing the post , and I now realized more importantly than reading great posts are the answers given from the comments.

11:43pm • #36
JAN
11
4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

All of those who wrote the comments obviously know more about this subject than we do but we're learning!  Thanks for asking the questions - good information!

9:56pm • #37
JAN
13
101,330 Points

Thannks for posting these questions. I am enjoying the responses they have received.

9:24pm • #38
JAN
14

Hi Rob,

I think that there is too much fantasy and not enough reality about linking...

Here's a new post that sheds some real light on most all of the viable, various linking methods that are available to real estate agents:

Link Building Campaigns - A Very Different Business Perspective

I hope you find it informative.

 

11:42am • #39
JAN
26

Hello All,

 

There have been some truly great comments about this topic thus far and Mark did a wonderful job at answering those questions. 

I want to add a little additional information so that everyone here know what kind of pitfalls to avoid when it comes to link building. 

Is Link Building Good?

Without a doubt link building can help you gain rank on all of the major search engines. However, Yahoo and Google place very different emphasis on the kind of links that you are generating. Yahoo tends to focus on the sheer number of links  you are getting. Google tends to focus on the quality of the links you are getting. Considering Google has the massive amount of the market wrapped around its little finger... I would go for quality links. 

What are Quality Links?

Quality links are inbound links from sites that are "professional" and "related" to the industry you are trying to target. For instance, if you are linked to by a site that specializes in balloon animals it will not help you as much as an inbound link from realestate.yahoo.com or realtor.com. Quality links should also include "keywords" that you are focusing on IN the hyperlink itself and on the page surrounding the hyperlink. 

Are There Such Things as Bad Quality Links?

Without a doubt. Many sites have fallen off of the search engine indices because of their link building practices. If you have a bunch of unrelated websites that are full of links linking to you and others... Google can see that and come to the conclusion that you are paying for link building services. Some consider this to be a "black hat SEO" technique which can get you banned from Google. 

Conclusion ...

Generate quality links from places that are respectable. Build profiles across multiple social networks with links to your main website. Create multiple blogs and link back to yourself. Find trusted partners on  your own that will link to you specifically. 

A great way to do this is advertise with online newspaper sites or local online business portals. These are highly trusted and the link to  you will be very beneficial. 

Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns!

5:34pm • #40
FEB
03

a combination of all three with emphasis on unique informative content and well built-html-google-friendly-pages.  good luck!  good post.

7:14am • #41
FEB
24
Outside Blog

Always try to build one way back-links with a PR the same or greater than yours. Too many lower PR backlink doesn't have any great benefit.

3:02pm • #42
MAR
22

Conten appears to be king.  I am thinking of setting up separate web sites to solidify content. ..

10:27pm • #43
MAY
20
Outside Blog

These are great questions, and the responses filled with good wisdom.  You are all invited to inbound link to my website (now under re-construction as I've changed affiliations) (PR's over "1" are very welcome!)  :)

http://www.PoconoLandAndHomes.com

 

11:56am • #44
MAY
31
448,280 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I think strong content and inbound links are the way to go.  But you need it all to be the top dog

10:27am • #45
SEP
25

Both are really, really helpful.  But the thing is, most sites that actually help out your ranking are awfully difficult to get to link to you.  Thus making content much easier to establish and where I would focus my energies.

10:41am • #46
NOV
09

Content is king, and it must be relevant.  If you link, you must link with high ranked sites that link you from their home page.  If you create bogus link farms, you will loose points with Google.

4:03pm • #47

Actually, you don't have to have links with high ranked sites, and from their home page to boot! Although if you've found a way to get a link from Google's home page, let me know! It's always nice to get a juicy PR 6+ link, but they can be hard to come by. The links don't have to come from the home page.

Links should be from a variety of sources. Too much is being made of PR here. If a site is relevant, has some good traffic, and has a PR0, a link from it could be a good resource. Write articles and sumbit them to Ezine and other good article directories, write a press release once in awhile, create a Squidoo lense, and link them all to each other.

 

5:32pm • #48

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Rob Farrelly

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