Site links in the footer template – still good for SEO?

[inhouseninja]

Hi there,

When I did a redesign a few years ago, I had it in my mind that site links in 3 or 4 columns at the bottom of the home page, and every other page, would be good for SEO.  Having links to interior pages using keywords and phrases from the home page and all that….

I think this might now be outdated thinking?  As long as there are some links from the home page to important interior pages to pass link juice that is what matters?  Google might not even looks at links in the footer?  Is this correct?

Thoughts?

Thanks so much!

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Essentially Google only really gives any real weight to the first link on the page anyway, so by the time you get down there, it will be of miniscule benefit.

I would suggest you concentrate on a few good anchor links in the body of the page and not worry about the footer for anything SEO related