How to build a successful SEO website: guide

[Brian Turner]

A truly outstanding article here about building a strong niche presence online from scratch:
http://www.searchenginejournal.com/1...6-months/6745/

Definitely worth a look.

[RickBisset]

Thanks Brian, as always, really useful

[RickBisset]

...actually, i noticed he doesnt suggest link exchanges (he recommends submitting sites to directories and buying good links). Im finding it hard to decide whether exchanging RELEVANT links using link exchange sites is a worthwhile practice.

Are relevant link exchanges dangerous even when used carefully!?

[Brian Turner]

I honestly would never recommend using link exchanges - the SEO benefits are minimal at best, the investment of time is very high, and the SEO risks are also very high.

In fact, if I take on a client who has a link exchange program, I always tell them to remove it - if any receive link exchange requests, I tell them to bin it.

I'll try and get an article written up on link exchanges.

[MichaelWall]

Definitely plenty of food for thought there.

I think his points about exposing your brand, your knowledge is very relevant. As the saying goes 'don't hide your light under a bushel'.

Actively participate in your niche area and if you offer a good product, good service or good advice people will take notice and the dividends will be high.

[Zeyad]

Originally Posted by MichaelWall

Definitely plenty of food for thought there.

I think his points about exposing your brand, your knowledge is very relevant. As the saying goes 'don't hide your light under a bushel'.

Actively participate in your niche area and if you offer a good product, good service or good advice people will take notice and the dividends will be high.

Thats true ..good product in good packaging of good services will always bring good results.

BTW what you guys think, what's practically good in SEO?

[inkmaxhk]

Good marterial. Thank you, Brain.

[harding125]

I also believe that exchanging links is time consuming for the recognition received. Better spend time on developing the right products and some precise marketing.

Gary

[MrCat]

Originally Posted by RickBisset

...actually, i noticed he doesnt suggest link exchanges (he recommends submitting sites to directories and buying good links). Im finding it hard to decide whether exchanging RELEVANT links using link exchange sites is a worthwhile practice.

Are relevant link exchanges dangerous even when used carefully!?

Reciprocal links would have value if you exchange links to a more popular, higher PR and more trafficked site. One way links from directories are better in the sense that they are one-way links. Paid links are good especially for getting targeted visitors.

[lin robinson]

I also believe that exchanging links

I see some confusion of terms here (or possibly only I am confused) between "link exchange"--which I would take as the sort of automated program--and "exchanging links"--which I interpret as individual swap-outs with other appropriate sites.

Personally, I have found the latter to be one of the best sources of qualified eyeballs. Especially in a smallish community or niche. There are often a couple of very high-traffic sites where your links get a lot of appropriate views, and offer the other site a smaller return, but which is significant to them as one of many feed-ins from related sites.