OK to change the anchor text of a link?

[zakkyg]

I have built a link on behalf of a ciient in a long, well-written article on a reputable website that accepts contributor accounts. I therefore control the link.

I have since realised that the anchor text of the link could be optimized much better than it currently is (while still only being a partial match). Would I be punished by the algorithm for going in and changing the link?

I know it's not 100% "natural," but then we're SEOs, and i don't think it's too implausible that a website owner may go in and do the same... Maybe if I add some text as well, it would make things look more natural?

[JordanLowry]

It would be highly unlikely you would be penalized for updating the anchor text in one blog. I would be more concerned if you had an alarmingly high number of exact match anchor text links pointing to your client's site.

[becole]

Zakkyg, if the link was in an article, and Google has already crawled the link, then keep in mind that they DO know what that anchor text is, and have noted it. If they crawl the article again, and notice that the anchor text has changed, then it could put up a red flag. Typically, when an article is written, it's complete--if the anchor text changes or a link is added, it could potentially be turned into a paid link or "optimized" link, which is what you're doing.

Generally speaking, you have a limited time to get the anchor text updated... if it's an older post then it may not make a difference.

[EGOL]

If they crawl the article again, and notice that the anchor text has changed, then it could put up a red flag.

Yes, indeed.  I agree with Bernadette.

Every site should have some anchor text diversity.  It keeps you from looking like you are trying to manipulate the search engines.  This particular anchor text, which is not exactly what you want, could actually be extremely beneficial if lots of your other links have highly optimized anchor text.

I would not tweak this link.  Google is watching.