Is it the number of links or quality that matters more?

[JeremyL]

I have a site (front page) that's a pr5. It's a specific niche and every other site I can find in the niche whether it's local or national have gottan a higher pr then 5. So if I have acheived a pr that is as high or higher then every other site in my niche, is it possible to go higher? I was thining of trying to get links on sites with 6 or higher pr but that would mean that I would have to get a link from a non relevant site and I am afraid it will hurt the overall theme of the site. Any recomendations for getting 6 or higher?

[WebGuerrilla]

I don't think you have to worry about links from non-related sites hurting you. With the current Google algo, they will help.

If, in the future, Google moved to a topic sensitve PR system, I don't think there would be any kind of penalty for links from non-related sites. Those links just wouldn't count as much.

[JeremyL]

Web thanks for the info.

Correction to the above post, I meant it to say no site has gotten over PR5 and not that they all have.

On another topic. Will a whole lot of links get me a PR or 6 or do I actually have to get links from PR6's and above to get to a PR6 myself?

[paynt]

Hi JeremyL, mind if I jump in? I try not to talk about PR except in vague terms. When I research I look for trends within niches so your original question is appealing and I’d like to take a jab at it if I may.

I do believe PR in some niches appears to top out at a certain level and that idea isn’t too far off. Compare it in theory to buying keyword positions through Overture. If within your industry you are ready to step above the fray and push your popularity forward and stabilize your lead position then I suggest you pause and take a realistic look at the situation, the industry [webmasterworld.com] and your competition [webmasterworld.com]. I have recently written about researching those in the context of linking, here in the forums.

if I have achieved a pr that is as high or higher then every other site in my niche…. that would mean that I would have to get a link from a non relevant site and I am afraid it will hurt the overall theme of the site

After reviewing the articles I’ve suggested, take another look at your industry and competition for opportunities within your niche that you haven’t explored because you didn’t know they existed. Think outside the box, if you haven’t already. I’ve seen niches scattered with PR5’s and it does take effort to find connections on theme to rise above it. Can you stretch the borders of your themes? Have you produced articles or tips or a glossary to make what you have to offer more appealing to a higher and wider audience? These are issues I consider and have actually run into recently.

Is it the number of links or quality that matters more - JeremyL

Again with the question of threshold. I have it down to balance and variety. For me the text in the link matters most and draws my highest expectations because while I’m working on PR I also want to work on the authority of the site. It takes a variety of strategies working together to create a site that’s not only successful but I believe more stable with less rank and position security issues.