Link Exchange Worth it?

[bostonseo]

It seems as though there to get someone to link to you you must do the same. So I guess I must build a links page and have it in my site navigation. My question is do you think having visible links page with a bunch of links looks unprofessional? I think it might 'cheapen' my site and lose potential customers may lose confidence in my products/services. Any thoughts? Does trading links which guarantees nothing, add enough value to warrant building a link page?

[rogerd]

There are a couple of questions there, bostonseo. First, are reciprocal links still useful? Most believe that their SEO impact will decline vs. unreciprocated links; however, many people still find recips are beneficial. If you have multiple sites, think about a more complex indirect exchange approach.

Second, will a links page look cheesy? Perhaps it will. But you have many options - you can create a directory of useful resources for your visitors in which you can include your exchanged links. Think about making this useful for your visitors, not a place to bury your link obligations. Or, consider including links on content pages where they fit best - this will make your link partners happy, and avoid a "links" page altogether.

Don't forget that direct traffic is one of the major benefits of linkage, whether reciprocal or otherwise. Try to get links from good sites, and do your best to ensure that the links are attractive and well-placed.