True Reciprocal Link
You may be familiar with automatic link exchange services,
however, being a member of several of them I can assure you there are some
shady webmasters out there who do not reciprocate after they have agreed to
exchange or they hide your reciprocal link "in the back" where the automated
link exchange software can locate it as directed, but the search engines
will never find it.
Manual link exchange does take more time, but it's worth 10 fold more than
an automatic link exchange service can offer. Dead links on your site or
exchanging links with webmasters who are not reciprocating properly is of no
value to you.
True Reciprocal Link Exchange is of great value and these Link Partners are
GOLDEN!
If you are going to exchange links... Make it count!
When you are looking to exchange links with someone, there are several
important items to look for.
Ensure the site you are exchanging links with has a reciprocal link
directory/pages located ON their domain.
Third party link exchange services are NOT recommended. These webmasters pay
to use the service, when they decide they no longer want to pay for the
service, your exchange is no longer valid. Don't waste your time.
Ensure your link partner clearly shows their directory from their main page
with either of these link texts
-Links
-Link Exchange
-Link Exchange Partners
-Link Partners
-Link to Us
-Add your Link
-Resources
-Other Sites
Ensure their link exchange software is Search Engine Friendly.
You can validate outgoing links as a spider sees it by using a Search Engine
Simulator. Looking into it you'll be amazed at how many scripts available do
not provide you with proper back link credit.
Ensure they have a functioning online registration form for you to fill in
for exchange requests.
I have experienced quite a lot of request for exchanges with websites who
asked me to email them the location of my link, only to see that the email
bounced back to me 2 seconds later. Again, time is money, use your time
wisely.
Keep within your Niche Market. Keywords that you would use to promote your
site is a good indicator of similar sites you should exchange links with.
Manually exchanging links will take some time, but if done right, these
exchanges will count.
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