Link requests

whats the best way to ask?

[Aylah]

When asking for a link exchange what is the best way to ask? I always say that I have added their link and if they are interested here is my info... But I feel pushy. Whats the best way to ask?

Also, how long should I keep their link posted if I do not hear back from them?

[Birdman]

I think your approach sounds fine. You have already done them a favor, by linking to them.

I would wait about two weeks, then remind them politely. If you get no response within a week or less, remove the link and move on.

Just my 2c :)

[tigger]

I agree with birdman if I am going to place a link first I will normally follow up 2 weeks later with a polite reminder then if I get no response remove it after another 2 weeks

[coconutz]

Here's a couple of previous discussions regarding reciprocal linking:

What is the best way to succeed in getting links [webmasterworld.com]

Prompting sites to reciprocate links [webmasterworld.com]

In some cases I will inquire about their interest in reciprocal linking prior to posting a link so that I don't seem too pushy. I'll send them the URL where we'll post their link and include our link information. Ask them to include a title and description that you can use in their reply. This has worked for us in the past.

Try to send a personalized message. Check the contact us or the about us pages or maybe the guestbook for a name (the first entry may be from the webmaster).

[Aylah]

I have been removing them after 4 days If I don't hear back! lol, I'm such a newbie! Thanks for the advice!

[Birdman]

Yeah, 4 days is a bit premature :) Some webmasters are very busy and handle alot of sites(I wish I was one ;)). Reciprocal linking cuts a nice chunk of your time.

[conecticslib]

I have a slightly different approach, because I'm asking on behalf of a third party...not my own company, but the company for whom we build online programs.

Since our sites are almost always corporate, most companies assume that no grassroots or organization sites will ever link to them...they just throw money at professional associations until they get a link.

But I've found that an honest email expaling what our site is intended to do (what program) and who it is intended for gets me very good results at even the hardest core grassroots sites. In return, I recommend we link to those sites...but that can't always be done for legal reasons.

I've found that ifI approach a potential linkee with upfront information, they are almost open to giving us a link - even when it can't be reciprocal.

[tigger]

>4 days If I don't hear back

God I think I better clear out my inbox :)

>Reciprocal linking cuts a nice chunk of your time.

Yes I spend about 2 hrs a day working on links for my clients sites, but it's one of those things that just have to be done

[duhboy]

Hi all
I've found that the follow-up letter is often replied to quickly in comaparison to the initial proposal. Often within a day or two.
So I've budgeted time for the follow-up letter. It has paid off.
Take care, Duhboy.

[Aylah]

OK,another question...whats the best way to REFUSE a link request? I just got a request from a site with a pr of 0 and a bunch of partially hidden text (it is an art site and the text is a bunch of: art art art art watercolor watercolor paint paint paint etc etc) Its not a very good site.

Probably not a good site to link too, should I be honest and say exactly why I dont want to link, or make up another nicer reason, or should I just link to them?

[paynt]

Hi Aylah and welcome to Webmasterworld. I have this ongoing list of sites that could really benefit from a bit of advice on their linking. Some day I’m going after them. I think if you have the time for a personal letter and want to tell them why you aren’t linking, you might be surprised by their response. See, a comment like that is stepping out of the box, a good thing with linking.

[Birdman]

I agree with paynt. I just did the same thing recently and as it turned out, he/she changed the problem and the link trade actually went through.

[HeyJim]

One of the things covered here was how long to hold a link before dropping it. I set a personal record today in that I received a positive reply to my link request which I sent in NOVEMBER!
Never give up, I guess.

[Visit Thailand]

We do not offer recip links on our sites but we do allow advertising and it is amazing the reactions to people when you give them the rates etc.

[colemanator]

Anyone had any luck with automated programs for this task. I feel that the personal touch is far more effective (and honest), but as stated above... very time intensive.

[coconutz]

I feel that the personal touch is far more effective (and honest)

I usually delete the generic cookie cutter requests. Personalized requests? I enjoy getting those. It tells me that this person has a genuine interest in their link development and I'm less likely to have to worry about these links going bad later on.

Ever take a look at the links page from most of the sites using those using reciprocal link generators? It's a bit scary. :o

[conecticslib]

> OK,another question...whats the best way to REFUSE a link request?

I have a tiered approach for this. If the site is a link farm, I just don't respond.

If the site is an affiliate-seeking but unrelated site, I explain politely why we don't do that.

If the site is a person who has a poorly made site and I don't want to be associated with it (or is a kid and I feel that a link to my site is inappropraite) I send a very polite letter explaining why not.

In years of doing this, I have yet to receive one polite response to my email. ;-) usually the repsonse from the rejected party justifies my reasoning for not wanting the link.