Link Exchange 101 - Advice Needed

[nhebb]

I've never done link exchanges before, so these questions may seem basic...

(1) Is there a standard place to put links? I would prefer to create a separate page for the exchanged links. Is that standard, or do many exchangers want links integrated into main pages?

(2) Would it be better to link out from my blog than from a links page?

(3) I know you should link exchange with sites that have similar topics. If I make flowcharting software, are other software sites considered narrow enough, or should I focus on an even tighter, more related niche?

Thanks.

[Diddy1]

nhebb let me answer your questions as best as I can:

1. No there is no standard link placement. And links in the main content are preferred to a link page.

2. Linking out from the blog is better.

3. In terms of related sites I suggest you find those sites yourself. Search for your top keywords and see who the competitors are and find those that pose no threat to you and exchange or buy links with these.

Thank You

[kagemusha]

I'll just add one point to number two: Try not to have too many outgoing links on the same page. Google frowns on that. I usually keep it around 40 links ..

[nhebb]

Thanks Diddy1 and kagemusha. I'll set up a separate links page (and keep the link count per page low).

[nigelaxis]

Some people prefer that the links page is not called 'links'. Call it 'resources' or something similar. Not sure why this matters as I am sure that google have considered all the generic terms for a links page anyway.

I have also found that this links page needs to be linked to from the homepage. Exchange partners will also prefer that this page has some PR.

[nhebb]

Yeah - I was going to call it "partners" or "web associates" or something else.

Thanks for the tip on the home page link. I have several things that are connected only via my sitemap, and I had planned to make this one of them.

[lizza]

Some webmasters would prefer site wide link exchange and do not want to put their links in a separate page..in that case you are supposed to put links in site wide manner

[nhebb]

Some webmasters wouldn't be trading links with me then.

[nhebb]

I just realized that came off as kind of rude.

Really, though, for mainstream B2B software sites like mine, it would be highly unusual to see site wide outbound links. So the types of sites I would looking to exchange links with would be probably wouldn't require that.

[lizza]

Do as you wish
good luck

[Chatmaster]

Originally Posted by nhebb

(1) Is there a standard place to put links? I would prefer to create a separate page for the exchanged links. Is that standard, or do many exchangers want links integrated into main pages?

There are different types of links exchanges. If you go more advanced you will look at contextual links. The benefit is that it helps both of you if you link out from a similar themed page to another.
I will never exchange links with anybody with a links page, it is completely pointless as it offers little value for rankings.
Receipricol and Tricipricol links also offer little value except if you want to up your page PR. What is of great value is to receive contextual on way backlinks from link partners. For this you usualy need a network of sites to negotiate with other webmasters. Rather take your time and go with value when going into link partnerships.

Originally Posted by nhebb

(2) Would it be better to link out from my blog than from a links page?

As said before there is benefits when linking to other sites. This is visible when viewing all the .edu sites in the SERPS that are ranking well for terms they have been spammed with. One of the main reasons blogs are doing so well atm is the fact that they link to resources. So backlinks from your blog can be quite valuable if the page the link is located on are related in theme.

Originally Posted by nhebb

(3) I know you should link exchange with sites that have similar topics. If I make flowcharting software, are other software sites considered narrow enough, or should I focus on an even tighter, more related niche?

Nope that is fine. Just keep in mind that it depends on the keywords you are targeting, and the themes are mainly based on the page and not necessarily the entire site, although the internal linking structure can have a big influence on your ranking theme.

[nhebb]

Originally Posted by Chatmaster

There are different types of links exchanges. If you go more advanced you will look at contextual links. The benefit is that it helps both of you if you link out from a similar themed page to another.

That sounds more what I'll lean toward. Thanks for the sound advice.

[casperl]

I dont prefer to use link exchanegs anymore. I will do it only if new sites need some boost. In that case i can use link page of an old site.

[Jane_sexy19]

if you have a blog then make a 3 way linking that would be nice!