Where to put reciprocal links on my site?

[aidanlawlor]

I am starting a link bulding campaign and want to know where to put the reciprocal links on my site.

Do i create a new specific Link Page? or do i place them on the pages that i want ranked higher?

This is my first question on SEOMoz. Please be kind....:)

Thanks

[seo-wanna-bs]

Hello Aidan, welcome to SEOMoz.

As with all link building, keep it natural. Avoid link pages.

Only link to relevant websites within your niche. When you do, it's best to mention them within a blog post or similar. I'd avoid sidebars and footers.

Google will only have an issue, if it appears that you're trying to be manipulative. I personally also link with brand name, rather than targeting keywords.

Hope that helps.

[aidanlawlor]

Hi Paul,

thanks for the quick response. What I am actually doing is just adding my site to local Irish Directories and some ask for a reciprocal link.

I have read a lot on the matter but I can't find some good info on where on the page to add the link.

My site homepage or my services page is where i want people to come so I am wondering is there a standard format of adding the links.

(ie) all at the bottom, in the text, separate Link partners page etc

Thanks again for the great info.

Aidan

[BenFox]

HI Aidan,

I'd probably avoid directories that ask for reciprocal links. Google is getting really aggressive with low quality tactics like directory submission.

For more info I'd recommend checking out articles like this one (there are plenty on the net)-

http://www.seroundtable.com/google-directory-removal-15151.html

[Adam.Whittles]

Welcome to SEOmoz Aidan,

The best advice I can give you is to stay away from reciprocal link schemes. The links are not worth it and are in violation of Google's Webmaster Guidelines which can negatively impact your site in search rankings. Read about this here:

Link Schemes

Google is massively clamping down on this and has even demoted many of these poor quality directory sites from its index.

Hope this helps.

[aidanlawlor]

Thanks Ben and Adam,

I will avoid them and concentrate on natural links and links to quality relavent content.

This SEO business. The more i learn the more i know I don't know. Ignorance was bliss

thanks again for all the advice. Great stuff

Aidan