So what is the verdict on reciprocal links?!
There has been a lot of back and forth on the effectiveness of reciprocal links, including strong opinions from both sides of the fence from respected parties. So what is the deal? Should you do reciprocal linking campaigns or not?
First of all, what exactly is “reciprocal linking?” This is where a webmaster wants other websites to link to his website, which increases his search engine ranking. So he trades links. He links to another website, then contacts that webmaster, notifies him of the link, and requests a link back. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
The problem with this is that search engines, especially Google, may be deemphasizing search engine ranking if you have too many reciprocal. In other words, that link from yourniche.com is somewhat muted if you are linking back to them.
Anecdotal evidence seems to be that it is effective still in MSN Search, but that may change soon. The general concensus seems to be that large numbers of links to and from lower quality sites may actually hinder your ranking; by lower quality we mean sites that are somewhat spammy, not respected by the search engines, and so on. A handful of links from the best websites in your niche may help a tremendous amount compared to thousands of links from crappy sites.
But of course, the matter is still somewhat foggy. Brad Callen of SEO Elite distributes a great free ebook called “SEO Made Easy.” He focuses on reciprocal linking; however, he also sells a software program that automates the process of emailing potential link partners.
For more reading check out:
Thousands of Reciprocal Link Partners & Getting Nowhere in Google
Post about the ineffectiveness of reciprocal link building as a Google targeted SEO technique…
The real problem with reciprocal linking
We seem to go through phases with reciprocal linking where it’s hot, then it’s not, then it’s hot, etc. Right now reciprocation is on the upswing again as people zero in on the SEO buzz expression “relevant links”…
