How to Avoid Bad Link Building

How to avoid bad link building.

Link building is an important online marketing technique websites use today. Linking to the right sources will boost your site’s credibility and boost your online presence. However, you cannot link for the sake of linking. There are some links which can harm your ranking and even result in a penalty. Let’s take a look at a few characteristics which make a link ‘bad’:

• The link is on a low-authority site. A link will only benefit you if it is on a site which is ranked higher than you and has a good reputation. Of course, the odd link on a low-authority site won’t hurt, but if you have added dozens of them, you are risking a penalty.
• Google’s current algorithm places great emphasis on context. The source you are linking to should feature content that is relevant to what you offer. This means sticking to authority sites in your niche is the best option for you.
• If a link is repeated several times on the same domain, it is a red flag. Diversity is encouraged, and Google values sites which link to multiple sources. This will add to the authority and value of your website.
• Don’t think Google wouldn’t know if you decided to exchange links with a website whose owner is a friend or acquaintance. This again emphasizes the need for diversity and context. Too many links for the same source are a recipe for disaster.
• While you are free to use whichever keywords you want to rank for as anchor text and add links, but Google will penalize you if it seems forced. Again, focus on context when adding links on your website.
• Google doesn’t care where you put a link, but there should be some relevant content accompanying it. It could be in the comments section of a site on which you published a guest post, and it would work, but only if it is relevant to the post itself. In fact, guest posts are probably the best source for links.
• Last, but not the least, despite the strictness and change in algorithm, link schemes are still around. Most of them are bogus, and Google can easily find that out. So, there is no point falling into the trap.

So, keep these points in mind when adding links to and from your website. This way, you will be able to stick to quality links which give a boost to your SEO ranking.

Contact Omid’s Marketplace-Bay Area SEO Marketing for your free online marketing consultation.  We provide Search Engine Optimization, PPC marketing: Google Adwords, Social Media Marketing as well as other additional web marketing services. Our service area ranges from the entire San Francisco Bay Area to all across the U.S.A.  Notable cities: San Francisco/Oakland, Mountain View, San Jose and Santa Clara. Call 408-499-4443 now to get started.