3 way linking

[MrStitch]

Does three way linking help in search engine placement still?

Also, what if I have the ability to do a 4, 5, or 6 way linking program? Any better?

[seo_joe]

I don't know how the algorithm works with respect to linkbuilding but I would imagine that if you did a lot of 3 way linking, it would be relatively easy to see patterns whereas if you raise the order of linking to n+1-way linking, it should be more difficult to detect patterns of link trading which Google is trying to crack down on. That being said, I've had good success using 3-way linking so I think it's still an effective SEO strategy.

[MrStitch]

Thanks Joe,

From what I gather from other sources, it appears to still work, but there are all kinds of things to take into consideration. Relevent content, IP address's, etc.

I have all that covered, but it seems like I keep getting this 50/50 split on what a three way link really is.

One version states - Site A links to site B, while site B links to site C.

The other one - Site A links to Site B, while site B links to site C, and then site C links back to A

I'm just guessing here, but i'm assuming that version one works the best, since you in effect never 'close the loop'. Surely google can pick up on the second version, can't they? And then treat it as a recip. link strategy?

[MChamps]

boo to three way linking

stick to what you know. One-ways and some recips are trump three way links any day.

[thgyspsy]

I am not a fan as I see them as potential problems spots, if not now, in the future.

Reciprocal links were 'legitimate' at one point as well. Just imagine the marketing dollars (time and money) thrown at recip programs to have Big Daddy wipe them out.

We didn't 'do' recip programs with our clients and as such took no 'hits' as far as that goes. I am advocating the same strategy with 3 ways at this point. It's just not a viable investment for us.

[MrStitch]

All of you... are correct. Could be a waste of time.

However, in THIS particular case, I have websites that span across 4 different IP's.

No, it's not intentional, just the way things worked out over the years.

All these sites are in a similar/same niche field, yet they do not compete with each other for the same search criteria. (arg... so hard to explain here when you can't use specifics; and i'm so sick of the widget scenario)

Since all the sites are within my control, similar themes, and span across different IP's, then the question is... would YOU do it? After all, it's not technically spam since everything nicely fits together. You know, not like my MicrowavesAreUs.com is linking with CarRentalsForLosers.com, all on the same server.

[AjiNIMC]

do not under estimate Google's intellegence.

[tigger]

MC did post in his blog that G could map 3way linking - I'm sure if you hunt around you'll find it

[jdancing]

MC did post in his blog that G could map 3way linking - I'm sure if you hunt around you'll find it

Google doesn't know the difference between [domain.com...] , [domain.com...] , and [domain.com....] Do you really think they can spot a 3 way link? Don't buy into all of Matt's misinformation or you will loose your competitive edge. Of course he will say they can spot 3-way linking.

[Romeo]

... do not over estimate Google's intellegence.

It is just a bot and an indexed database with a few algo-scripts.

Kind regards,
R.

[glengara]

Just a FWIW Jdancing, but I've seen at least three instances post BD of sites with hundreds of obviously recip links coming in but none going out being hit.

Could just be coincidental, but they were otherwise pretty "clean".

[jaffstar]

I think all links will help you if part of a Total strategy. If 10% of your links are 3 way, I would not see it as a problem. Google might not have an issue with 10% , but 80% yes...