Even before Google’s updates affected thousands of sites, website owners, developers, and SEO consultants debated about the issue of outbound links. Most of the time, inbound links are given due attention since it is believed to increase page rankings. However, the updates did affect sites solely focused on inbound links and for many bad reasons. So, if inbound links are not the only key to earning page rankings, can outbound links be the key to increased page rankings? The answer is both yes and no.
Both types of links serve a different purpose just like sunshine or rain. Outbound links are helpful if you don’t overdo it and you avoid connecting with the wrong site. This is the reason why many sites were penalized -they focused on building links for the purpose of page rankings. The site’s content and quality was overlooked in favor of aggressive link building. Now, how does one pursue good outbound link building practice in the midst of updates? Here are some very good tips that can help you increase site’s ratings:
1. It’s All about Quality
This applies to most aspects in life especially to outbound links. You can choose to associate with good sites by doing some due diligence. Research about good sites that have the same theme with your site. Remember, relevance is a good measure when qualify sites that you want to connect with. This can be done by using tools that can check page rankings of other site. Get into analytics by checking on domain metrics of target sites you want. Domain authority, domain age, and Alexa ranking are just some of the factors you have to consider. Never get involved with sites that have poor quality. You can easily spot such sites by checking on some on page factors. Do they have a credible appearance? Do they have good content? Do they have a privacy policy? Check on these things and keep your eyes open.
2. Linkbacks Promotes Good Results Later
Sending outbound links tell search engines that your site is real. It is dynamic, active, and intent on building good relationships on the virtual community. Later, the reward will come in as these reputable sites can provide quality linkbacks. The reciprocal links provides advantages to two good sites; after all, no site is an island. The thing you must be aware of is prudent practice of sending outbound links. If you have carefully selected the sites you link with then don’t over do it. Make it a gradual process – much like building a healthy relationship with any human being. Anything that creates an unnatural increase in outbound links defeats good practice. It’s important to accomplish small things one day at a time.
3. Outbound Links Benefit Your Audience
No site can provide all the information in the world, unless maybe you’re a dictionary or encyclopedia. Yet, even these sites need a little help from other sources. What more of your site? If your site is about health supplements, you need to link with medical sites or academic sites to support your information. Your audience will respect you more for the relevant information you provide to them. Although you may be promoting other sites as well through outbound links, you are also helping your site establish authority. Now, if these reputable sites provide linkbacks – then you’re definitely lucky.
Now, before you send outbound links and do business intelligence, evaluate your site first. You must have good quality content that other sites would appreciate. Remember, you are building trust through ethical link building; hence, make sure your site is ready. If your content is not good or spammy, then it’s time to correct that. If it means rewriting your content, then do so. Before you start sending links to other sites, make sure you are link worthy. Check your site’s design, content, and other metrics you would inspect in another site.
So, can outbound links help improve ranking? There is no secret formula to achieving better page rankings. Exploring outbound link building can be an effective strategy that you can develop for your site. Like any other good thing, too much can also hurt your rankings; so, be careful. Balancing inbound and outbound links can work out for you. Be patient with the results and learn from all your mistakes.
Author Bio: Jason Smith consults companies on online marketing, product development, and strategy. During his free time he enjoys reading about human behavior and visits church san jose regularly.
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Iliana Lola is a full time internet marketer and writer and the owner of Ilianalola.com.