Automatic Link Exchange

links

[Thomass]

D you guys know about any method of automatic link exchanging, I don't wanna waste my time sitting on a computer and sedning e-mails.

Thanks

[paynt]

Hi Thomass, and welcome to Webmasterworld.

If we talk about this we'll have to do it without discussing specific products or dropping url's. Additionally you'll find many of us frowning on the automated programs that are available and who wants that?

I'd love to hear how folks speed up the process of link campaigning. All tips will be smiled on ;)

[rogue]

I simply type faster!
No, seriously, I haven't found a faster way than good old fashioned hunting for quality on topic link prospects. That and having copy to paste into an e-mail requesting the link.

[Thomass]

Thanks a lot guys, well I'll stay with my old, slow, effective method.

[australiangirl]

HI Thomas,

It really is worth the time to establish the linking relationships yourself. I am directing a linking campaign and have a template email that goes out to all my prospects, but sometimes requires a few revisions. But this way you have the control, your own voice and can specifically ask about the look and format of the link.
I have also heard that Google may screen out links found thru an automated system, which is counterproductive as we link to improve Google rank.I find what is most time consuming is finding the right prosects, as I stongly believe you want to keep your links closely themed! For ex. I am in the food space so will not solicit an e-commerce site selling car accessories.
Does this make sense?
Good Luch!

[topr8]

i think there are a few basic things you can do to speed up your link exchanges.

1) make sure you have made it easy for someone to request a link FROM you and that you have automated your side of things ...

use the phrase: suggest url to the directory as a specific page title

layout the preferred format of the link back to you

automate their request with thank you for asking emails and an easy way to quickly review and add the site if you like it

any number of free scripts are quite capable of managing a small links page/section

2) For My link REQUESTS: i set aside some time for surfing around, not aimlessly (but that's OT) bookmarking suitable candidates and entering the details into a database, i'll usually be surfing around one area/subject in a session so that i get a good feel for it

... don't really know of a quicker method of finding/checking potential links as i have to assess suitability (whatever the criteria) manually

... once the potential links are identified i try to make my site as attractive as possible for these suiters - after all i'm pitching them! - this is a REAL TIME SAVER because every link that is declined is a waste of my time, so the higher strike rate i get the more time i've "saved"

then the simple mechanics ...

use templates for the request - customised for the topic or even individual

have reply templates prepared including simple thank-yous

have in mind a special offer for a good link who's interested but wants a better deal than a straight linkspage link swap.

make sure you have an easy way of added/subtracting/adjusting links from your page/s

if your pages are static, use an offline database to build updated links pages to upload to the server.

[rogue]

Thomas,
As Australiangirl and topr8 have said, there is nothing better in the long run, which will ultimately save you time, than doing things manually. The relevelancy of the links you will obtain will far outweigh the time you think you save by automated programs. Not to mention the risks you may encounter using programs. I have yet to encounter a link prospect that would not exchange with me using a hands on approach.

[Kimkia]

Nothing will beat link exchange arranged personally. However, I have two link pages on my site -- one for hand selected links that mesh with my content, and the other for semi-automated link exchange with sites that have merit but don't fit my theme exactly.

By semi-automated, I mean a CGI script that allows them to submit their link to you for consideration, but they have to post the text link you specify to your site first. This allows me to veto any XXX sites or others that just don't belong on my pages at all. I've obtained some very nice, high PR links this way, for very little work, so it's a nice bonus.