Is Blog Commenting still an acceptable way of linking

[Robdob2013]

Hi,

Is it still acceptable to blog comment as a way of build keyword related links to your site?  I see a lot of it and of and 98% looks spammy and obvious.. But I just wondered as so many people seem to do it and they seem to get results within google, However my feeling is that they will get burnt sooner or later

Thakns,

[AgentsofValue]

Hi there,

I asked this same question last week and got really good opinions from some of the members here.

Blog commenting can be risky if you'll just use it to optimize your keywords. However, if done right (written properly and with value), this is an effective way to build keywords, and credibility, online. If you're giving out comments that are useful, sort of like this Q and A here, then readers actually listen. Plus Google will also see how authoritative you are and will probably credit your site for it.

Here's a case study of one SEOMoz member, who have found out how blog commenting can still be effective Post Penguin. This might help you decide whether to still pursue that strategy.

Cheers!

[djlaidler]

Hi Rob,

Absolutely. The key is, like Agents of Value suggest, an honest and valuable response on the right types of sites are the way to go.

I stick to the 50-50 rule when it comes to commenting on blogs. Firstly, I would never run more than 2 links per comment. I would respond to a blog with some prior knowledge (if you are working for a client, get them to offer an answer) and in the response, I would pick on one keyphrase to link from, maximum. Then at the end of the comment, sign off with your name and site/company... EG/ Dan from f4240.com (see what I did there, one no-follow link for me

Although the current understanding is targeted keywords should be less than 40% of your backlinking profile, this will head you in the right direction.

I think the way to approach it is a well worded comment will give you three things, the acknowledgement that you a vocal and experienced person in your field, it will also give you natural traffic to your site as the person reading will want to know more and finally, the SEO benefit. If you focus on nailing the first two benefits the SEO benefits is a bonus.

Best of success

Dan

[BeardoCo]

If you are going to utilize blog commenting just do it naturally.  When I make blog comments I do not use Anchor Text as my name and I vary my URL from homepage, inner page and social media pages.  I find that a well formulated blog comment can give you so SEO benefit along with some direct traffic to your website.

[Robdob2013]

Thank you very much the article you referenced was of great help.  I guess the key in the majority of the poorly written blog comments which I have seen is where they used the keyword as the name of the commenter and then the comment they left was something like "Great article,  thanks so much for the helpful information..

[Robdob2013]

Hello,

Thank you for your great answer,

Can I ask a couple more questions pls:

-1- What do you mean by 50/50 Rule? one link within the comment and one link in the sign off name with no follow?

-2-.  in the sign off would I use my name/company or my name and the companies name for which I'm doing the comment for,  i.e. the companies for which I was posting the comment for would be much more relative industrial wise to the content of the blog.  Or is that a No No?

-3- ... "targeted keywords should be less than 40% of your backlinking profile"

what should the other 60% be,  non keyword related, i.e. just your website name,  or are you referring to general other links?

You have a lot of good points..  thanks in advance..

[AgentsofValue]

You're welcome. Happy to help!

[djlaidler]

Hi Rob,

1. One link (keyword in anchor text) in comment, and one as a link to the clients site as part of a signature.

2. I would always recommend answering in the third person for a client (get their approval first), therefore their name and company or url

3. general terms EG/ click here, site, follow the link, read more and branded terms EG/ company name, company URL, branded products etc... The suggestion is 30% for each roughly...

Hope you find this useful.

Dan

[NakulGoyal]

All kinds of links, together make up a natural link profile. Never use any one kinds of links too much. When you do that, that's when the trouble begins.

I think of Link Building as brand building. What would you do if the Search Engines did not exist ? What would you do to get your website some traffic ? The answer lies within

[danatanseo]

I appreciate the shoutout Rob. Thanks to you both for reading. I really appreciate that. You are both sp right. Engagement is key. And the best part, you just never know what that relationship you work at building via the comment might lead to, whether it's traffic, links a guest post or just a great friendship...all are very worthwhile in my book.

Dana