Question about automatic link exchange programs

is it good or bad?

[GiveMeMore]

i found a site <snip> who is suppose to do automatic backllinks etc... it is free so should i go for it or it can hurt me?

thanks

[edited by: martinibuster at 8:56 pm (utc) on Oct. 5, 2006]
[edit reason] REMOVED SPECIFICS. See TOS [webmasterworld.com] [/edit]

[cnvi]

It depends on exactly what is being automated. If you are automating link publishing but the software allows you to maintain editorial discretion on which links you make, thats ok. There are a number of link management softwares and application services on the web that saves webmasters time by automating link publishing while allowing full editorial control.

If you are fully automating link exchange without editorial discretion, in other words, a full duplex software that forces you to link with and obtains links for you automatically without any editorial discretion, that is bad because it creates what the search engines call a "synthetic graph" which can be detected.

The search engines want you to obtain links naturally with editorial discretion. They dont want you using full duplex services and softwares which make links for you without any human intervention.

You don't want to do anything to upset the search engines so I would suggest you avoid softwares that promise high volume links in short periods of time. Or ask yourself, "does this software help me make linking decisions that benefit my end user?" If the answer is no or grey, best to avoid.

[GiveMeMore]

I am sorry I am going to ask further questions but I didn't quite understand

<snip> the website I am talking about will post me on a certain number of pages if (of course) I also add links for others from this site on my page, it will allow me to choose who to link to but NOT who is linking to me

Is it OK?

should I only link to ppl in the same category as mine or not necessarily?

[edited by: martinibuster at 8:55 pm (utc) on Oct. 5, 2006]
[edit reason] REMOVED SPECIFICS.See TOS [webmasterworld.com] [/edit]

[cnvi]

the website I am talking about will post me on a certain number of pages if (of course) I also add links for others from this site on my page, it will allow me to choose who to link to but NOT who is linking to me

This doesn't sound good to me. Link exchange should be conducted to benefit the end user. If your goal is to do this to achieve a side benefit such as high search engine rankings, I would avoid it.

Make linking decisions based on what benefits your end users. That means do link to sites that help your own site's visitors learn more about what your site is about. Request links from sites that compliment your site.

[GiveMeMore]

thanks for the tip

[MrStitch]

Here's a tip -

I use one of those services, but I'm only signed up for the free service. Thus, I get an e'mail from them when someone links to me. I then have the option of linking back.

I then go to their site, check them over, make sure it's not some junk site linking to gambling, insurance, and anything else not in my field.

Develop a feeling for the site, and if it's good, I'll link. However... I will not link with the description that they chose. I handwrite each description, so that the links page isn't a 'spam' page. The overall effect is a page that has weight, and it's tied to my site. Can't say how much weight, but I don't want to be hit with any dup' content penalties.