Cross-linking domains dominate SERP?

[Gamer07]

Hi,

I have been doing some keyword research and noticed two domains properly linking back to each other for almost every piece of content. I thought this was not working any longer but it looks like it works for them. For many competitive keywords, they rank in top 10, and even for some keywords, they rank #1 and #2. PA and DA not more than 36-38. With 3-4 linking root domains, these pages manage to rank in top 10.

And the second strategy they have, is to create alternative text to rank for a number of different long-tail-keywords. Seperate pages targeting seperate keywords and the only difference between them is slightly modified text and images.

Third is possibly the best, their second domain is an exact match domain name for most keywords linked to this industry. On some SERP's, they have 8-10 results in top 30.

SEMRUSH shows %500 growth for both of these domains.

So, I guess I should just sit and admire them.

[EGOL]

I have been doing some keyword research and noticed two domains properly linking back to each other for almost every piece of content.

I would not worry about this being too effective.  It is only one unique linking root.

I thought this was not working any longer but it looks like it works for them.

It seems to be distracting competitors 

And the second strategy they have, is to create alternative text to rank for a number of different long-tail-keywords. Seperate pages targeting seperate keywords and the only difference between them is slightly modified text and images.

If you create unique content for all of those KWs that should put you in the position of advantage.

Third is possibly the best, their second domain is an exact match domain name for most keywords linked to this industry. On some SERP's, they have 8-10 results in top 30.

This tells me that they have a lot of content for that KW and that there are probably not a lot of strong competitors.... but really, what is more important - the number you have in the top thirty or if you are in the top three?

So, I guess I should just sit and admire them.

You can do that if you want.  From what you have shared they don't sound too hard to beat.  I would go after them with a single site with lots of unique, high-quality content.

[AndreVanKets]

Just to add to that, These websites have shown you their strategy, instead of admiring them, replicate what they have done, but do it even better.

Original content like EGOL suggests, and even more relevant and stronger links, no doubt you'll be a strong competitor.

Greg

[EGOL]

....do it even better.

Right... as a gamer you know the power of the superior weapon.

[AndreVanKets]

I wasn't implying that he should make a network of sites, i meant the links he gets should be better.  - My bad.

[Gamer07]

It all makes sense, sir. And I have to admit you are spot on with the way they have distracted me. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.