If you've been marketing online, for even a short amount of time, you are
probably aware of the many benefits of reciprocal links.
This simple process of trading your link with other sites can generate visitors and increase your search engine popularity ranking.
Keep in mind that, if your trading partner's links pages are several layers deep in their directories, the search engines may never spider them. Ask if they have manually submitted them so your link gets picked up for the popularity ranking benefit.
Reciprocal linking also makes a great "door-opener" for meeting potential joint venture partners online. By asking for a reciprocal link you have established your first contact with the site owner. This can make future correspondence more receptive since you have already shown an interest in their site.
This doesn't mean that you can automatically add your trading partners to your ezine or opt-in mailing list without their approval. Instead, construct a personalized message to relevant trading partners outlining the benefits of setting up a partnership with you.
Here's a few reciprocal linking help sites...
http://www.reciprocallink.com/
http://www.linkleads.com/
http://www.applecountry.net/linktrader/index.htm
http://linksmanager.com/
http://www.zdnet.com/ferret/index.html
Be sure to keep your links theme specific. Search engines frown on sites loaded with too many unrelated links.
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