Footer Link Networks
In my country, there’s a major publisher generating around $80M in annual revenue, and they’ve included a staggering 53 publications on their site, complete with numerous links to main categories from these sites. Overall, their footer features about 150 outgoing links to various news outlets, marketplaces, and comparison sites—essentially a collection of unrelated content.
Being the largest player in the field allows them to get away with this strategy.
But what about me?
I operate 10-20 comparison, blog, and review sites, most of which have been around for 5-10 years and are well-established. Some of these sites already rank highly for competitive keywords. I’m considering leveraging my network more aggressively by creating a similar linking structure. Is that a risky move?
While I currently engage in some interlinking between my sites, it’s mostly organic and lacks a systematic approach. Should I be bolder in linking them together? Would that backfire on me?
One response to “Footer link farms”
While it might be tempting to replicate what the large publisher is doing with footer link farms, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and long-term consequences for your own sites.
Google’s Guidelines: Search engines like Google prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to links. Engaging in excessive linking, especially footer links that are unrelated, could be seen as manipulative or spammy, potentially leading to penalties.
Reputation and Trust: Even if the big publisher seems to get away with it, they likely have a robust brand reputation and authority that insulates them from immediate penalties. Smaller sites may not have that same level of protection. Building a strong, trustworthy brand is crucial for long-term success.
User Experience: Consider what value the links provide to your users. If the links are irrelevant or overwhelming, it could detract from the user experience. A good user experience can lead to better engagement and, ultimately, better rankings.
Linking Strategy: Instead of aggressively linking all your sites together in the footer, consider a more strategic approach. Focus on quality contextual links that genuinely provide value to your readers. Interlinking relevant content within your niche can also enhance your SEO efforts without raising red flags.
Monitoring and Risk Management: If you choose to experiment with more linking, keep a close eye on your traffic and rankings. Monitor for any drops or penalties and be ready to pivot quickly if needed.
In conclusion, while leveraging your established network could provide some benefits, it’s crucial to maintain integrity and prioritize quality. A more organic and user-focused linking approach will likely serve you better in the long run without risking penalties.