Thoughts on a particular company -- Paying for Links

[MWM3772]

Any thoughts on using companies like Text Link Ads (www.textlinkads.com) to do link building?   Seems a bit dangerous to me, but if the articles are decent and relevant -- can it hurt you?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.   Thanks.

• MM

[georgebounacos]

Hi, Matt.  Good to meet you here.

I know that some link builders believe that Google operates on FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) regarding buying or selling paid links.  There have certainly been examples made of sites who practice either buying or selling.

Can it be done?  Sure, I guess.   But why risk potential penalties?

This is one of the areas where Google is emphatic.  The Webmasters section specifically says this about Google's take on paid links:

Buying or selling links that pass PageRank is in violation of Google's Webmaster Guidelines and can negatively impact a site's ranking in search results.

It's Google's world while they hold 2/3 or more of North American search engine queries.,  That means they get to set the rules.  Why risk ticking off the 800 pound gorilla or having a competitor "turn you in"?

Safer to read the articles on link building here and start a campaign on your own.  Good luck with the links--it's a marathon process that never ends, but boy, does it ever pay off!

[MWM3772]

Thanks, we will opt to stay away from using these type of services.   Appreciate the response.