Are Reciprocal Links Great, Crap Or Something In Between?

Now the topic of reciprocal links is a rather controversial subject. Some SEO consulting companies tend to argue that reciprocal links are GREAT; some SEO consulting companies argue that reciprocal links are CRAP and some argue that reciprocal links can be somewhat beneficial. Others think that a having a high number of reciprocal links on a website is a BIG red flag for some search engines and others disagree again. So the big question is what are they and should you use them on your website to help with your page ranking on search engines like Google?

What are Reciprocal Links?

A reciprocal link is basically an internet link that is, wait for it… reciprocal. It is that simple. It is like saying, “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours…” or, “If you put a link to MY website on YOUR website, I’ll do the same thing for you!” As opposed to inbound links which solely point to your website, a reciprocal links point at each other’s website. The two major aims of having links to your website are firstly to drive more traffic to your website and secondly, to improve your page ranking on search engines. By the sounds of things, you should be using reciprocal links, right?

Using Reciprocal Links on Your Website

Are you now wondering whether you should be using links on your website? It doesn’t matter if you have inbound or reciprocal links on your website. It all comes down to the individual link. If a link is related to your website in some way, shape or form (i.e. in a related industry), it is a GOOD link. So if the other website is related to yours, you can link it to yours and you won’t be punished by Google. Let’s say that you run small sports supplies shop, if you can link to some of the sporting clubs you supply to, or link to some of your suppliers – this would be a good link. Having them linking back to your website would then create this mutual, reciprocal link.

If you have links to or from the local hotel or restaurants in your area, they might not be as effective. You could even be PUNISHED by Google and your page ranking downgraded – which is NOT what you want. So, remember to keep ALL links relevant.

How to Find Related Websites to Link With

Perhaps your best bet is to first ask those businesses you deal with frequently and see whether they would like to put a link to your website on theirs if you put a link to theirs on your website. The next thing that you should be doing is utilising search engines like Google. Search for some keywords that are linked to your website and look at the top page ranking websites that are related to your line of business. Some of the top page ranking sites will be appropriate and others won’t be – identify the ones that are valuable to you and you will be set.

Are Reciprocal Links REALLY Worth the Hassle?

Reciprocal links can definitely be worth the hassle, you just need to make sure that the websites and businesses you plan on linking with will genuinely have some form benefit to your website or business. Obviously, if you are spending AGES emailing and waiting for replies, taking up way too much of your valuable time – reciprocal linking might not be worth all the hassle.