Reciprocal linking is of great importance to website
owners who wish to achieve good rankings on the major search engines.
As a result the internet has witnessed a growth in ‘link' sites where
webmasters can find potential reciprocal link partners. In addition,
webmasters are trawling the internet looking for link partners that can
benefit their site either through complementary content or high page
rankings.
However, as many webmasters can appreciate, when
corresponding with fellow webmasters to reciprocate links it can be a
very trying process. E-mails are not replied to, links are never added,
your links suddenly move or disappear without notice or the proper link
details are not used. Such actions lead to wasted time and frustration.
As with most things in life, if a little etiquette is shown
and adhered to in dealings between people, matters become a lot easier.
Etiquette provides a framework of behaviour within which people can act
- drawing lines between what is acceptable and unacceptable. If
webmasters begin to show a little etiquette to one another the
reciprocal linking process will become a lot less stressful and
irritating.
Below are some suggested etiquette guidelines for webmasters engaging in reciprocal linking campaigns:
Have a reciprocal linking policy: If you accept reciprocal
links make it clear how other webmasters can submit their sites. Is it
simply by e-mail or via link software? Ensure you ask them for all the
information you need - i.e. link title, URL, description, reciprocal
link page or HTML. If you have categories provide an option. Always
provide your link details and state whether or not a reciprocal link
must first be added by them in order to be accepted.
Respond to e-mails: When a webmaster sends an e-mail either
exploring the possibility of exchanging links or pointing you to a link
already added to their sites, respond to their e-mails within 24 hours
even if you cannot properly address the issue for a while. This is good
etiquette as it lets the webmaster know you have received the request
rather than keeping them guessing.
Confirm actions: If you decide to reciprocate a link confirm
it with the other webmaster via e-mail. A short simple e-mail providing
the URL is enough and shows good etiquette. If you do not wish to
exchange links, again send a short e-mail explaining why. This will
save the webmaster valuable time either chasing you up or trawling
through your links pages to try and find their link.
Stick to your word: If you say you will add a link, make sure
you do so. There is nothing more frustrating than being told your link
will be added then discovering two months down the line a link was
never added. This is very poor etiquette and simply unfair as the other
site has provided you with something and received nothing in return. If
you plan to add a link let the other webmaster know in what time period
it will be carried out even if it is a month away.
Communicate changes: As sites grow and links increase
webmasters do occasionally need to rearrange their link pages. Links
may be moved to different pages or removed. If either is being carried
out let the appropriate webmaster know.
Identify yourself: If your e-mail address does not correspond
to your domain name, make sure you make it clear what site you manage.
There is nothing more frustrating than receiving an e-mail stating, "Your link has been added," and not knowing who or where it is from.
You are then left to trawl your link details to identify who the new
link partner is.
Give others a chance: Many webmasters are busy people. This
may occasionally means their etiquette in replying or acting upon a
link request slips a little. When this occurs, be patient. If there has
been no reply within a week send a polite reminder. However, if there
is still no response then it is perfectly reasonable to remove any
links you may have added.
Use requested link details: Webmasters have certain keywords
they wish to target and therefore use them in link titles. If a
webmaster provides you with their link details, pay attention to their
request and do not simply visit the site and make up the link details
yourself. If no link details have been provided, either provide a link
and check whether they are happy with it or simply ask for their
details.
Etiquette, etiquette, etiquette: Above all, when corresponding with webmasters be polite, helpful and courteous.
The above etiquette tips for reciprocal linking will hopefully
ensure that those involved in the hunt for new links can do so easily
and without frustration.
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