Much to the dismay of bloggers and website masters, nobody has much and accurate knowledge about the updates on Google algorithm and how they affect the methods for creating backlinks to get high ranks on SERPs.
Ironically, much of what SEO specialists or writers are saying are purely theoretical without case studies to back them up.
So, if you have a web site you may ask yourself:
What really are the backlink networks? Are they quality source of backlinks?
What are the Types of Backlink Networks?
There are only two types of backlink networks and both of them should be avoided because Google has begun de-indexing sites that have participated in such networks.
These types of blog backlink networks are:
1 . A network where the facilitator is also the owner.
Members of this network contribute blogs, which allow other members to put links into.In return, the blog contributors will also have the chance to put their links on blogs contributed by other members.
2 . A network ran by an entity or facilitator who provides all the blogs.
This kind of network can hold hundreds or thousands of blogs but all of them are provided by one party—the owner. Rather than allowing bloggers to place links into those blogs, the purpose of such blog is to sell the opportunity to place yourlink into those blogs.
What Do Search Engines Think of Networks Built for Link Purposes?
The release of Google Panda means the search engine giant is staging wars against those types of backlink networks.
After quite some time, Google gained full understanding on the manipulative procedure that those backlink networks have initiated.
It has found ways in recognizing footprints left within those backlink networks. In fact, according to blog posts and forums, Google itself participated in the second type of backlink networks to identify which web or blog sites have paid links.
Those web sites have been paying the high price of their act, while those blog backlink networks have been shut down.
There are also materials on the web saying that Google did not decrease the rankings, but actually de-indexed from its search engine those web sites and blogs that have participated in backlink networks.
If you have worked hard on your website to get it high ranks on search engine results this fact does pose potential risk.
Conclusion: Should You or Should You Not Use Link Networks?
As of today, there are still backlink networks that work similarly as those two above mentioned.
So, if you have a blog and you work hard on it to reach the high ranks in SERPs, you have to avoid getting involved in those networks.
Yes, maybelink networks are effective in earning you higher ranks now, but if in the future you get caught by Google and an algorithmic update all your efforts may go to waste and you will pay a very high price.
When it comes to traffic, better be safe than sorry.
About the Author
Richie Richardson is a full time blogger. He occasionally writes on diet programs like Bistro MD, Nutrisystem and other weight loss and fitness related articles. You can know about his blog from here.
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I got slammed a little while back it seems with a small network. At least that is why I think I did. The rules have definitely changed. Great article…thanks!
Scott
Scott recently posted..Well, Facebook just changed your email address…again!
Google has definitely had enough of blog networks and shady link building tactics – those days are over. 99% of my niche site income was killed after Google deindexed BuildMyRank and then came out with Penguin – terrible but that’s what I get for resorting to “gray hat” tactics with linkbuiding. Learned my lesson and am now doing authority sites with only completely white hat methods and barely even focusing on SEO anymore.
Thomas
Thomas recently posted..How to Come Up With KILLER App Ideas Series – Part 5 – Using Concepts of Existing Games
Hi Thomas,
Good for you. SEO definitely does not deserve the amount of time we spend on it. A little effort with straight tactics can go a long way and prove beneficial.
Hi Richie,
thanks for sharing this article with us.
Links networks work even now
But we must stop thinking about SEO benefits from it – if you get related traffic from the link, it’s good for your website…
For my English blog I don’t care about Google – till now I did nothing (offsite) to improve my rankings in SERPs – I rely only on good content and “traffic links”. Sometimes it works better, sometimes it isn’t working at all.
Of course I have plan to be on #1 in SERPs for some keywords, but firstly I must build credibility for this site…
BR, Chris
Chris recently posted..8 Helpful Tips, How To Promote Your Blog
Hi Chris,
Thanks for chipping in. Link Networks, though work at present, they do not provide the same value as they did. Moreover, for better promotion of your site, try guest posting. Trust me, they are the best. Within three month my forex site ranks on page 1 for 6 keywords.
Is this link wheel going to be functional after the Google Penguin update (that takes into consideration the quality of links ?). I’m asking this because I’m interested in the software but I’m not sure if the links are going to get counted in the SERPS.
I seem to recall reading somewhere that the latest Google network frowns on these networks. So unless somebody has definite proof otherwise, I’m avoiding backlink networks.
Leo recently posted..CPA Salary
Hi Leo,
As I had said, avoiding them is safer for now. The old fashioned SEO is what works the best.
Richie Richardson recently posted..Best Forex Signals Provider
Backlink networks should be avoided at all cost. They might bring some linkjuice in the short term; however, google sooner or later penalizes those websites.
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