I routinely look at real estate websites and blogs to monitor industry standards. Unfortunately one of those standards is broken links. When a link breaks on the internet, it doesn't make a sound. Most visitors won't let you know when they discover a broken link, they'll simply look for the information on someone else's website or blog.
These days your website or blog is often your first impression. Do you want them to look like a new Jaguar or an old clunker? If you're going to tout your experience and professionalism on your website or blog, you need to make sure their performance reinforces that message. One way to do that is by auditing your outbound links.
If you've been blogging regularly, I don't expect you to go back and audit all of the links you've posted, but you should check all the links that are displayed on your standard post page. Using IE6, I simply right-click on each link, select Open in New Window from the contextual menu, verify that the correct page opens, and then close it.
Maintaining the links on your website may take longer, depending on how many pages of links you have. Repairing broken links may be beyond your knowledge or control, depending on how your site is set up. My advice in that case would be to print each page, circle any broken links with a red pen, and submit the pages to your webmaster.
These days your website and blog are an integral part of your market presence, but a website or blog is only as strong as its weakest link. Treat them with the same care you give to your other marketing materials. Check for broken links and fix them yourself or have your webmaster fix them. If you don't audit your links, who will?
Thanks!
Frank Jewett
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Frank, Always a great reminder!! I think I have "link nightmares" I am always checking and rechecking! It would be horrible if a potential client saw a broken link!!