Link Exchange Programs such a bad idea

Horrible idea.

[markis00]

I signed up for a free link exchange program, figuring some extra link partners emailing me for link exchanges would be good. I thought it would be a good way to get one of my newest sites off the ground.

I was very wrong. The people who use the service must be really lazy, or not know too much about SEO. People who emailed me were mostly from totally irrelevant links.

And even the ones who I replied yes to (some were actually relevant and worthwhile) none of them got back to me! And the ones I told to delete never did, they left the links going.

So then the search engines found all these irrelevant sites linking to mine and I had to transfer the URL. I haven't updated the url on the link exchange program yet and I'm not going to.

So to all you people looking for easy links, look elsewhere! Link exchange programs are a bad service full of incompetent webmasters who can't handle their own linking campaigns.

[edited by: martinibuster at 8:21 pm (utc) on Aug. 5, 2004]
[edit reason] Removed specifics [/edit]

[deejay]

I think a mod will likely remove the specific service's name, but I don't think the problems you encountered are specific to that particular service anyway.

I've used/looked into a number of similar services (including this one), and found much the same. But then I've also found the same with direct approaches to my sites from webmasters (not using a service).

In this case, it ain't about the service, it's about the webmaster community.

I am interested though - why did you feel the need to change your URL? As long as you weren't linking back to these places they should pose you no threat, and probably still carry some benefit.

[akogo]

Requesting links from sites using this service is awkward. You have to use a form that ask you to supply a password. Then before you submitted the details of your site, you must type in a generated code to proceed. The next thing that happens is your are given the linking info of the site. Why can't you get that info before you submit your own site info? Then you have to wait for a autoreponse that tells you again the linking info of the site. The email asks you to reply with the location of their link on your site. Why can't they ask that on the form before you submit it?

[markis00]

I was actually having a URL recognition problem with Yahoo...and plus, all those links that came in that were irrelevant are now being found by the engine.

I've been assigned penalties before for irrelevant linkbacks. Thought it hurt rankings to get irrelevant backlinks?

At least, with Yahoo's new TOS...and my experiences..that was my thoughts.

You're right Akogo, the service is awkward. I believe the password and auto-generated form input is used to stop "link spammers," using automated robot software to fill out forms.

[rj87uk]

deejay is right. I dont think that you should have moved url, As long as you didnt link back to them i would say you are safe.

- Its all junk to me, like 500 links on 1 page that cant be found, and has no page rank... Just not the way to go!

Im still on the idea quality over quantity... Im not sure... but many people would say im wrong...

rj

[edited by: martinibuster at 8:22 pm (utc) on Aug. 5, 2004]
[edit reason] Removed specifics [/edit]

[Webdetective]

Is it best to avoid sites using linksmanager? I don't use linksmanager myself, but I have exchanged links with many sites who are using it.

If I use my own automatic links directory script, is a good idea to remove or hide my Add Link page so that other webmasters would be forced to go through me if they want to exchange? That way I can weed out the gambling links.

What's the best way to manually request a link? Just ask for it out front, without the usual lectures on link popularity or "mutual benefit..."?

[edited by: martinibuster at 8:23 pm (utc) on Aug. 5, 2004]
[edit reason] Removed specifics [/edit]

[Arisia]

I use ODP/ DMOZ. A very good place to look for good sites. Also do a keyword search at google, study the backlinks of top ranked sites and you will get some good sites as link partners.

People might disagree but for good links you need to work hard. Either search for link partners or work hard to build a content rich site and people will link back to you.

[edited by: martinibuster at 8:24 pm (utc) on Aug. 5, 2004]
[edit reason] Edited for specifics [/edit]

[chrisnrae]

Best way to find links is to search for them. The links you find that aren't in plain sight are usually the most valuable.

[markis00]

Refer to "what's the best subject line to use a in link exchange request" thread. ;)

[grant]

I've been assigned penalties before for irrelevant linkbacks

I have never seen any evidence (from my experience) that search engines understand relevance. The understanding they have is simply by links.

As an example, if your site sells golfballs, to a human, a link to a site that rents vacation homes in Florida might seem very relevant, when you think of the demographic.

Search engines simply lack that kind of intuition and by linking to other sites, you demonstrate relevance. They learn from links, and do not punish because they are not in a position to judge relevance, only study it