The Race for Backlinks

[SEOAndy]

I think what we are all trying to say is... as always with SEO ...

Quality Trumps Quantity

[KarlBantleman]

I agree with the previous comments and be aware that if your competitors are building dodgy links, there is a good chance that they will get a penalty in the near future! Keep the faith with natural links and you will reap the benefits in the long term. Remember, SEO is a long term strategy so compare your stats each month and make sure you are seeing an improvement...if you are seeing an increase then keep it going, don't worry too much about those above you because there isn't much you can do about them.

[Debe]

Thanks, Takeshi!  And, yes, I'm referring to Penguin.  Content is not a problem and as I compare my content to those who are ranking higher because of their backlinks from non-related businesses (mostly spam sites), it is frustrating that the consumer is driven to their site with either minimal information or misinformation.

[Debe]

Moosa - Those are the ONLY backlinks that I do have but, despite the fact that mine are far more quality AND related to the business (not pharmaceuticals or movies but, real estate related), I'm still not ranking as high as the sites with lower quality and more backlinks to non-related topics.

I know it's not a race--I was just trying to draw attention with the title!!  Thanks for your input!

[Debe]

I agree, Andy!  I just wish Google could go more in-depth and rank accordingly!  

[TakeshiYoung]

Don't be tempted to follow your competitor's lead and acquire lots of low quality links, because Matt Cutts recently announced that they will be releasing a major Penguin update later this year. Don't throw away longterm growth with short term tactics, unless you're willing to lose it all.

Here is a great list of link building strategies if you're short on ideas:

http://pointblankseo.com/link-building-strategies

[Debe]

Thanks, Karl!  I do agree and that has been my philosophy for years--and for a good number of them, I WAS ranking higher than the spammy sites.  Now, it seems that the tables have turned and I really don't understand how that could happen with the recent updates.  Backlinks seems to be where I am behind in the 'race' to be #1 but, I refuse to pay someone to link to my site who sells Viagra!  It's just a bit frustrating when you've tried for years to stay on the straight and narrow!

I do watch my stats and understand the long term nature of this challenge; it just seems like I should be ranking considerably higher than I am--especially when I personally review the competitors' sites and know the difference in quality is not comparable.

[KarlBantleman]

I know, it's frustrating and probably happened to all ethical SEO'ers at some point. Keep at it, you'll be rewarded! Good luck for the future

[gfiedel]

Thanks, for initiating this discussion, Debe. I sure can relate. AND! Most importantly, great job on the catchy question title. It worked!! When I saw it, I immediately made note to self: "catchy question titles - gotta get better at them to get attention from the big kids".

[Debe]

I do hope so, Karl!  Thanks again for your input as well!

[Debe]

That is great news, Takeshi, and I'm hopeful that my site will once again, rise to the top!  I'm biased, I know but, if I were moving to this area, I would want clear, concise, ACCURATE information on the area and not tidbits of 'junk' information that is on the sites that are ranking higher.  I feel for the consumer here more than myself.

[Debe]

Thanks, Gina!  I'm not always good with those catchy titles--perhaps I need to implement that more myself too (since it worked)!!  

[EGOL]

Let's say that you do have superior backlinks but your site bounces traffic because it has a busy format or people don't "get it" or the landing page does not provide what the visitor is expecting.

Could that be the case?

Could a design change result in a spectacular increase in user engagement and cause more people to use domain queries to arrive at your site - because they know that YOU have what they want.

[gfiedel]

Being the owner of a web design company, I Like that response, EGOL!

[EGOL]

Thanks.

If people don't see what they want immediately after landing then they will leave.  If they have to think they will leave.  And, I am pretty sure that will drop your rankings.

[Debe]

Egol, my bounce rate is very low so, I'm not worried at all about that but, I do miss out on even being 'seen' because backlinks are just not one of my strong suits.  I prefer to garner them organically and because my competitors don't mind going at that the organic way, I don't rank as high.  Once folks find my site, they do seem to stay!

[EGOL]

That's good.  Just tossing out a possibility.

[Debe]

Oh, and I do appreciate it!  I know that it will definitely help someone out there anyway!  I had a higher bounce rate and found out that speed was killing me so, once that was tweaked, our bounce rate continues to drop little by little!

Thanks again for your answer!