Outbound links

Benefits of outbound links

[socalbrad]

I know recip links to relevent sites is the way to go but what are the benefits/drawbacks of tons of outbound links to relevent sites?

Brad

[pageoneresults]

I know recip links to relevent sites is the way to go...

Be careful with your recipricol links. Too many could raise a flag.

But what are the benefits/drawbacks of tons of outbound links to relevent sites?

Define "tons". Typically "tons" of links are placed in link directories attached to the main site. That type of strategy is no longer viable from my perspective.

Now, "tons" of links naturally from within the pages of your site is something totally different. Effectively managing those links is imperative. Dropping them all in a div at the bottom of the page may not be an effective strategy. Placing them naturally within your main content surrounded by the appropriate copy and you've got a winning formula.

I'd be careful though as to not upset the balance of those outbound links. Too many might cause an issue. There will be many other factors involved which will determine the final outcome.

Also, how do those outbounds affect the visitor experience? Do you want them to leave your site? How are you configuring those outbounds? Popup? New window? Direct links?

[socalbrad]

The directory is seperated out by state and each company has a couple lines on the page that list out stuff like the company name, address, city, state, zip, phone, short desc. I was gonna make the company name a link to their site as a new window but I was afraid it would hurt my page rank having a bunch of outbound and not a whole lot coming back in.

I have about two thousand companies and I'd say 80% of them have websites.

Brad

[pageoneresults]

Unless you are directory yourself, what benefit does that directory have for your visitors? Is it linked to from the primary navigation? Is it one of those auto-generated directories with an Add URL link? If so, it's poison from my perspective. You'd be better off moving it to the recycle bin.