contextual linking

[chompy]

I was thinking to ask some of the sites that link to me for contextual links in return for the same. As I find it nie on impossible to get new sites I approach to context link. I keep my links page to minimum purely those of value and avoid linking with other link pages a mile long.

My question is will a context link improve the value of the link with respect to SE rating over the value they have given the incomming link as it stands now? I.e a PR2 linking to me wont become a PR1 in value but are there grades of PR2 given depending on the inbound link being contextual or from a link page?

I think a spread of context links and a link page to worthy sites providing useful information to my visitors is the best option.

[rogerd]

While context links aren't SE magic, they are highly prized anyway. Clickthrough is typically far higher than for a link buried in a list. PR transfer is typically better due to a smaller number of links on a content page. So far, Google doesn't seem to use link theme analysis, but there is always speculation that Google could look at this as one way to fight PR for sale and various other manipulation.

Convincing a site that doesn't do context linking to begin is tough. When you contact other sites, point to some examples on your site now. Tell them about clickthrough rates and improved credibility. If they still won't do it, take the links page link and move on...

[willybfriendly]

Convincing a site that doesn't do context linking to begin is tough. When you contact other sites, point to some examples on your site now. Tell them about clickthrough rates and improved credibility. If they still won't do it, take the links page link and move on...

Give the link first and then ask. This has worked for me. I have succeeded in getting the exact anchor text I wanted using this strategy, and sometimes am the only outbound link on the page in question.

WBF