While reading some recent link exchange requests I was reminded of the character Wimpy from Popeye who was always trying to mooch a hamburger.
A number of the requests I've received are suggesting an interest in exchanging links - if I act first. They're telling me to post their link to my links page using their preferred anchor text and description, notify them of when and where I've posted the link, submit my link information and then they'll post a reciprocal link.
I don't get it - who's asking for the link here?
Some simple suggestions to increase the chances of obtaining a reciprocated link:
Personalize the email message. Aren't you more inclined to read a message addressed to you than one addressed to Links Manager or Marketing Director? Check the contact us or about us page for whom to address the message. Sometimes the whois info is helpful. Try using a simple greeting if a name can't be found. Feel free to post a link to the site you're interested in exchanging links with. If they don't reciprocate you can always dump the link later. The minimal amount of PR transferred isn't going to make or break either site. (If your links page has enough PR to seriously benefit another site, you need not ask for links). Click on the link a few times to show up in their log files before sending the link exchange request. Mention why you're interested in exchanging links; complimentary content, interest to visitors, etc.. Forget using "Search engines rank websites based on the number of reciprocal links.." or "My site receives a large number of visitors every day and I'll be sending you..." especially when you're using a public tracker that shows otherwise. Let them know where you've posted their link. Offer to make changes to the description or anchor text used. Others have suggested intentionally misspelling a word in the title or description to prompt a response (setting the hook). Include your link information for them to post a reciprocal link - make it easy for them to reciprocate. Follow up on your link exchange request once within a reasonable amount of time, be it 10 days, 2 weeks or a month. Don't threaten to remove their link if its not reciprocated, you may want to suggest a link exchange again in the future. Your site may be new and not display any PR, backlinks or directory listings. Don't send multiple notices informing them that their link is scheduled to be removed, will soon be deleted, has been deleted, can be reinstated if you act now, etc.. If there was no response to your initial request and follow up, warning them of the ill fate about to befall their link is useless. If there is no reply to your follow up message, delete the link and move on. Your time is better spent pursuing other potential link partners.
If you're linking for the long term, try to exercise a little self respect. Don't be promiscuous and go linking willy-nilly across the web to anybody and everybody. It's human nature to avoid those with a haphazard reputation.
