Over the top text links

Over the top text links for keywords

[rbftpnetworks]

I need some help from the Google experts out there.

Text links have become very important in a sites keyword ranking, however I have recently had keywords drop down the rankings since I have gained some text links.

For example, we used to rank #1 for <snip>, and <snip> - I then gained incoming links from the site <snip> (see the text link at the bottom) with the keyword "<snip>" and on <snip> for "<snip>".

These links include a link at the footer of every page of the site in question. Since I have obtained these links, my ranking on these keywords have actually gone down.

Perhaps im over-doing it? How could I make these links effective, should I have the keywords removed and changed to my Website Name? Or perhaps a keywordless text link, just the URL of my site for example?

Any ideas/suggestions guys?

[edited by: engine at 9:19 pm (utc) on Dec. 1, 2004]
[edit reason] No specifics, thanksSee TOS [webmasterworld.com] [/edit]

[mona]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, rbftpnetworks.

These links include a link at the footer of every page of the site in question. Since I have obtained these links, my ranking on these keywords have actually gone down.
Perhaps im over-doing it?

There's some good discussion about this by those whom are wiser than me;) Check out these two threads -

What is the Value of Run of Site Text Link Purchase? [webmasterworld.com]

Buying text links [webmasterworld.com]

How could I make these links effective, should I have the keywords removed and changed to my Website Name? Or perhaps a keywordless text link, just the URL of my site for example?

I think you're on the right track here. Test, test, test. There are many conflicting opinions on this subject. Only you can really decide what is best for your site - good luck!