Resource linking

[TP_Marketing]

Is  a resource linking page a good way to build backlinks? Do I need to ask permission of the site I am linking? & If do build a resource page do I have to keep in mind keyword density rule, not to stuff too many links on page?  I see one of my competitors using a "resource page" and linking to some high athority sites, (which I know they have not asked permission) b/c they are big name site, NFL, NHL, ESPN etc.

Any suggestions much appreciated!

Thank you!!!

[Ant71]

Hi Littlebigman,

Resources pages normally show reciprocal linking i.e. you link to me and I will link to you, which has little benefit to Google, but if its something your website visitors would be interested in then use. I dont think ive ever seen a links page ranking high on google, so I personally wouldn't worry about keyword density etc.

It isn't the websites that you link to which will help you but the links of websites linking to you, especially if natural links.

[RobertFisher]

LB,

I will not write what first came to mind

The short answer to your question, "Is resource linking page a good way to build backlinks?", is no.

This is really a fairly old technique that is quite frowned upon on a lot of levels. The biggest being that is just a link manipulation scheme. If you have never read the Quality Guidelines on GWT, I will provide the link and an important excerpt: the link is Read and Heed Quality Guidelines to Survive

The excerpt is:

Avoid tricks intended to improve search engine rankings. A good rule of thumb is whether you'd feel comfortable explaining what you've done to a website that competes with you. Another useful test is to ask, "Does this help my users? Would I do this if search engines didn't exist?"

The bold and underline are mine.

I hope this helps. The best way to get links is with great content and following the phenomenal suggestions provided on SEOmoz.

I wish you the best in your endeavors,

Robert

[TP_Marketing]

Could I put together a page with a resource link, and ask if them to reciprocate? Ive looked everywhere using the SEOLink explorer, and cannot find where they are linking, yet i see it with the seomoz tool?

Seems as though my competitors are doing everything Against the rules and are outranking me, gets Very frustrating!

[Ant71]

Yes you could do this (but dont expect from large companies). Reciprocal linking is not bad, just dont expect so much credit from Google compared to something where you have to work to get a link.

Dont forget companies who break the rules dont necessarily get penalised straight away, but one day they might be bitten. If you do everything as white hat now then you will see the benefits for years to come, not just this year.