Comments on: Following Google Guidelines: Buying and Selling Links and PageRank

By: Keller Hawthorne

Keller Hawthorne — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:03:46 +0000

You should be able to override that (I hope) by using the no-follow attribute in individual links.

By: Dwight Anthony

Dwight Anthony — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 01:47:11 +0000

I think WordPress establishes the 'no follow' attribute to your links by default, but knows some people with high PR that turn on the Do follow attribute to at attract other high quality traffic or advertisers which i guess is ok as long as google doesn't feel that you aren't being paid to pass PR!

By: Dwight Anthony

Dwight Anthony — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 00:47:11 +0000

By: Link Ninja2

Link Ninja2 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:00:14 +0000

An alternative is to tell advertisers that you'll sell the link, but only if it says their domain name, or “click here” or something non-paid link looking. For a new site trying to build PR, even anchor keywords like these help out big time, yet they easily pass under the paid link radar, because, you know, “Who would pay for that?” I actually advise all my clients with new sites to buy a few of these “crappy” links because it makes their link profile look way more natural.

And don't be worried, only do it for a legitimate non-span site that you don't mind endorising, and although you are technically breaking google's guidelines, there's no way they can ASSUME it's paid and penalize you. This is the most common way to link out with non-optimized anchor text, and in my experience Google just doesn't worry about them. My 2cents.

By: Keller Hawthorne

Keller Hawthorne — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:00:10 +0000

Thanks for the feedback Rantgatorant.

As I mention in the first section (second paragraph) of this article, "Is the Buying or Selling of Links Against Google Guidelines? Absolutely not!" In the third paragraph, I explain "Is the Buying or Selling of Links That Pass Along PageRank Against Google Guidelines? YES!"

Not all paid links are bad and I believe Google cares most about those who attempt to manipulate the search engines by purchasing PageRank through links. But, there policy does state that any paid link that passes PR is against their guidelines.

Are you sure the Yahoo Directory passes PR? If it does, it would be very interesting to confront Google about this and see what they have to say. Great point Rantgatorant!

By: Rantgatorant

Rantgatorant — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:06:52 +0000

I should probably clarify the above. The main difference between a paid link and a review is the possibility that your site will be rejected. IMO, directories can aid search engines in filtering poor quality sites from the web.

By: Rantgatorant

Rantgatorant — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:05:31 +0000

An absolutely great post, very comprehensive! I do take exception with a few things though…

Not all paid links are “bad” per say – some directory sites come to mind. The Yahoo! Directory in particular offers the option for users to purchase a “site review” for $299. While you are really purchasing a link, the main caveat here is the “review” element. Google attributes quite a substantial level of importance to the Yahoo! Directory.

Something worth considering.

By: Keller Hawthorne

Keller Hawthorne — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:34:42 +0000

This only applies to PAID links. Links in your Blogroll are often sites you find of interest and wish to recommend to your visitors. Those are exactly the types of links Google likes to see as it helps them know what is relevant and of high quality.

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:50:25 +0000

You are right.This can be the main reason for demoting the page rank and when there is no No Follow then it means that it is a Do Follow link.Selling text links is a kind of business also but there are so many guidelines for this.

By: SmittenbyBritain

SmittenbyBritain — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:56:15 +0000

Funny, I just contacted an advertiser and told them I would no longer offer Do FOLLOW links and they withdrew their advertising. Even though I was paid, it doesn't make me feel good to know that they basically sucked the PR rank from my blog. Won't do that again.