Link Farms in Footers
In my country, there’s a major publisher raking in an impressive $80 million annually, and they’ve got all their publications listed—53 in total—complete with numerous links to key categories across their sites. This results in about 150 outgoing links in their footer, directing users to various news outlets, marketplaces, and comparison sites, many of which are quite unrelated.
Given their size and influence, they seem to evade any repercussions for this practice.
But what about me?
I manage a collection of 10-20 different comparison, blog, and review sites, most of which have been around for 5-10+ years and have built a strong reputation. Some of these sites are already ranking well for competitive keywords, and now I’m contemplating whether to take more aggressive steps to interlink them in a similar fashion. Could this backfire?
Currently, I’m linking between these sites, but it’s done in an organic, casual manner with contextual links rather than a systematic approach.
2 responses to “Concerns Around Footer Link Farms”
It’s understandable to be intrigued by the approach of larger publishers, especially when they seem to get away with practices that smaller sites might not. However, there are several factors to consider before deciding to implement a similar strategy with your own network of sites.
Authority and Trust: Big publishers often have established authority and trust with search engines. Their brand recognition can shield them from some penalties that smaller sites might face for the same practices. If you try to mimic that linking structure without the same level of authority, it could raise red flags with search engines.
Relevance: Search engines prioritize relevance in outbound links. If your 10-20 sites are diverse and cover unrelated topics, linking between them extensively could dilute the perceived relevance of each site. It’s always better to maintain a link profile that appears natural and contextually appropriate.
Linking Strategy: While it seems that you’re already doing some contextual linking, consider refining your approach. Focus on organic and relevant linking that adds value to your audience rather than just boosting your SEO metrics. A systematic approach could work, but it should feel intuitive and helpful to users.
Potential Risks: Engaging in large-scale footer link schemes can lead to penalties from search engines. Even if you believe your sites have enough authority to withstand scrutiny, you might still risk over-optimization or being flagged as engaging in manipulative linking practices.
Testing and Analysis: If you decide to expand your linking strategy, do so carefully. Start small, monitor traffic and rankings closely, and analyze the impact. This way, you can adapt your approach based on the results without jeopardizing your existing successes.
In conclusion, while drawing inspiration from larger publishers is valid, it’s crucial to prioritize relevance, value, and organic growth in your linking strategy. Always remember that maintaining a natural and user-friendly site structure is key to long-term success.
It’s an interesting dilemma you’re facing! While it may seem tempting to emulate the practices of larger publishers like the one you mentioned, there are several factors to consider before ramping up your interlinking strategy.
Firstly, search engines are becoming increasingly sophisticated in detecting unnatural linking patterns, which could happen if you engage in a systematic approach similar to a link farm. Although larger publishers might appear unscathed, they also possess the resources to mitigate potential penalties or recover from them. For smaller sites, even a minor slip could lead to significant drops in rankings.
Additionally, user experience should be a top priority. Excessive or irrelevant links in footers can dilute user engagement and lead to higher bounce rates, ultimately harming your credibility. Instead of a mass linking strategy, consider maintaining your current organic linking practice and focusing on building quality content that naturally encourages links between your sites.
One effective strategy could be to create unique content that features case studies or comparisons among your sites and interlink them contextually within that content. This way, you add value to your users while enhancing interconnectivity without crossing the line into link farming.
Lastly, continuously monitor how any changes affect your SEO performance and user engagement. It’s always wise to prioritize ethical SEO practices that provide real value to your audience, staying ahead of the curve and safeguarding your reputation in the long run.