Linking to Google's site

implications (if any) of sites which link to Google's homepage

[needinfo]

I have seen many sites which include a link to Google's homepage (either .com or .co.uk). Can somebody please let me know why they do this. Sometimes they also include relevant search terms in the link string.

[Chris_R]

People think that linking to google will help their ranking.

This is one of my favorite ten (check my profile page for the other 9)....

I used to think this too, so I can't really rag on people too much.

Google has said it doesn't and based on what I have seen - they are right.

If you have a page about google - then it might help - otherwise - you don't need to.

[Shakil]

welcome to webmasterworld.

in answer to your question, there are 2 answers I know.

1, They are being helpful and promoting their favourite search engine.

but the one I think you mean is

2, Certain individuals think that by linking to Googles site will get you a higher position in the SERPS.

I have NO idea if this is true, but I very much doubt it.

Shak

[topr8]

3) i have a link to google on my thanks for your order page (which they hit after the cc payment is confirmed) - it doesn't get spidered and has no chance of influencing my google ranking either way. BUT i like to encourage the use of google (for now) as my rankings are better in google than in msn.

[Powdork]

I do it too. I keep thinking GoogleGuy will be bored one day and decide to comb through their backlinks. Maybe he'll respond with a reciprocal link from their homepage.:)
Seriously, I've seen them where they used hidden links pointing at Google's homepage. Thats going the extra mile.