Google now discounts all reciprocal links

We all know that links play an important role in positioning the website with the web browser. Good content does not cost much if no one points to your site or shares your content. However, you should be aware that not all links are the same.

Reciprocal links – this is the kind of links that Google is least evaluating. For example, agree with the owner of another site to raise a different rating on Google. He will set up your link on his site, you are his on his own. This technique was massively used in years at the beginning of this century, and it was very effective. However, in the meantime, the search engines have reduced the value of such links and they now bring little benefit to the SEO of your site.

Some even claim that Google is now able to identify three-way linking schemes (i.e. website A links to website B, who links to website C, who links back to A). Whether this is true or not is hard to say. One thing is for certain though: inbound linking strategies should NOT be centered around reciprocal linking. This manufactured form of link creation is not well-received and is ultimately a waste of time. Instead, focus on creating unique, high-quality content in a given niche. The links will ensue.

Link in the footer: When Google scans the web page, the text at the top of the page is considered the most important, and its importance decreases as we move to the bottom of the page. This is because Google guys believe that a real visitor to the site will first see what’s at the top of the page, and that what’s at the bottom of the page might miss it. The same applies to the links on the page. Link at the bottom of the web page, or footer is not important for SEO, because it is unlikely that someone will see it and click on it.

A well-deserved link with the general anchor text: Anchor text is the text of a link that is visible on the website. You can get a deserved link if someone has found useful text or information on your site and links to your content. You have no idea about this. The site points to a link to your content, but uses a phrase like “read more about this topic here” in the link text. This link is good for Google, but it’s not the best.

Link with the appropriate anchor text: for example, someone has found useful content on your site dealing with translation services. It links to your content, but uses anchor text such as “translation services”. This anchor text is exactly what your site is most concerned with. Google knows it, and this link evaluates as much as possible. If the link is described on a site with similar content, say, a site specializing in the translation of poetry, then you get the best possible link for the SEO of your site.

What should be the best possible link to your site, which has the highest value for Google? 

To make it short: link with the appropriate anchor text, located at the top of the website on a site with a theme similar to that on your site, provided you do not link to your site on your site. Such a link will surely bring you significant points with the search engine.