For some time now, there has been a debate going on about Google decreasing the page rank of a website or blog, if it has “paid links”.
Today’s Lesson
So, what are paid links?
Not knowing for sure which links Google considers as “paid links”, I decided to go right to the source.
In a “must read” article, written by Matt Cutts, of Google, How to Report Paid Links, he addresses the issue of paid links, affiliate marketing, Pay per Post, submitting to directories, buying and selling links, plus several other issues. The post also includes links to others articles that provide more detailed information on these subjects.
In short, paid links are any text links, which are purchased (paid for), with the intent to try and increase page rank with search engines.
Following up on this subject, on December 1, 2007, Matt did another post on Selling Links That Pass Pagerank, that is also well worth reading.
Today’s Assignment
If you are curious about paid links, and if your blog/site is affected, please read the above mentioned articles.
Make time to read the comments also, as this issue is quite controversial.
Do you think Google should decrease the page rank of blogs or websites that contain paid links?
Do you think this move on Google’s part will affect your rank?
Do you care?
Barbara – I know many do pay for links. I never have which is probably why my page rank sucks.
I’m guessing it would be difficult for Google to prove that links are paid for though. I suppose paid links from directories would also count wouldn’t they?
Hi
I clearly need to do some tweaking of my blog. I like the idea of highlighting some good posts of the past.
I make it a point of including my other recent posts on my front page so people can scroll down and read. I think most people don’t like to click again.
Am I wrong?
Dr. Cason’s last blog post..Tators Anyone?