Paying someone to get me links-bad idea?

[bridaldesigns]

By this i dont mean paying for links as such...I mean the people that advertise on websites like Fiverr saying they will get you links to your site from edu/gov domains...or angela/paul style links etc.

I'm doing all the proper link building stuff like blogging/guest blogs/articles etc etc but am up against competitiors with thousands of links...Is this a way to 'catch up' or should it be avoided.

I'm new to all of this so be gentle lol...grateful for any replies

[PabloGV]

Hey Bridal, I don't believe it's such a great idea, honestly. That may be just so close as spam that I wouldn't take the risk, but instead you could pay for a lot of other actions that could lead to earn links just adhering to wh tactics...like doing an awesome infographic, releasing a free pdf or doc, and such things.

Those automatic build links (or close to spam) usually drive not to a penalization but to loose money and/or time because SE's are going to unweight them usually really really fast.

[ResslerMotors]

Have you tried getting links from a gemological institute?

Make a real world comparison on the the three C's of diamonds, with videos of real women trying to tell the difference.  Ask bloggers, gemological institutes and other jewelry stores to link to it.

Costume designer?

If you design some of your own rings then you could work with a costume designer to make some simple jewelry.  Ask for a link for your efforts.  Maybe write a review of their recent play, and ask for a link from them on it.

Wedding Planner?

Not sure how this one would work, but you might!

Photographers?

Offer to use some of your really nice jewelry in some staged pictures.  Ask the photographer for credit on the jewelry in the photos.

Florists?

Every woman loves the gift of flowers and jewelry, why not find a way to work together?  You could also write an article about choosing the best flowers for the occasion, and ask for links from them.

You could also create a gift widget.  Submit the event, preferences, price range and the widget would produce gift ideas.  Embed a link to your website from it as the source, and try to get people to put it on their website.

For any of these people you could offer some SEO advice in trade for a link on their website.

As for your actual question, it's all about risk vs reward.  Some companies try to go after links in a very natural way, and some companies just try obtain links.  The first is going to be very beneficial, but quite expensive.  The latter will also be beneficial, but carry more risk.  It all depends on what you are looking for.

[SimonCullum]

I agree with PabloGV.

Don't sell your site short by engaging in these dubious link practices, Search is an unregulated industry and there are so many unethical agencies out there (such as many of the purely link building service companies) which can harm your site more than it may seem.

That said there are many ethical professional agencies that could help with your overall search strategy, including ethical link acquisition as a part of the mix.

Keep focusing on a variety of high quality, useful, interesting unique content and distribute it well, that will help to get those all important high quality relevant links.

Regards

Simon

[bridaldesigns]

Thankyou all for your replies, some great ideas...love the florist one! Will do some investigation. also the gift widget but wouldnt know how to even start doing that!

[PabloGV]

I didn't realise to check the thread creator url so thumbs up for "da great answer"

[SkyHigh81]

I really dont use Fiverr Gigs service, most of them are just spam links and automated links..Few are verified, many are spammed and even links are gone.

Better create good content of articles, and engage social networks.