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Lost, Have a Few Questions

by Jillycakes
11 replies
Hey all,

I'm still trying to find my feet with all this Internet marketing stuff. I'm getting myself set up to start a few niche blogs, but am running into a few problems. Hopefully someone out there will be able to help, since I'm not finding the answers on my own.

First, where are people going now for keyword research? I really liked Google's old keyword tool, but am finding the new one basically useless. Is the solution buying a software package (like Micro Niche Finder or Market Samurai), or is there another free online tool that can do the job?

I'm also curious about whether there's any time that reciprocal links are okay. One of the niches I'm building in has several other popular blogs associated with it, most of which feature some sort of blogroll or reciprocal linking. If/when those sites start linking to mine, is it bad etiquette not to link back? Will leaving out reciprocal links give me an edge in some way?

I'd really appreciate any tips you guys can offer. Thanks!
#lost #questions
  • Profile picture of the author TelZilla
    I really like Market Samurai. I tried the free trial first and liked it enough to buy it. It has massively shortened the time I used to spend doing keyword research.

    As for the reciprocal links, there is no cut-and-dried response to this. Some people may say yes, some will say no, and I may or may not do it. It would depend on the site and situation. But honestly, I usually don't.
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  • Profile picture of the author elise
    Market Samurai seems to be the most popular and well-liked keyword tool that I've heard of. I took the free trial a while back when I first started and I remember really like it. I've also heard good things about Wordtracker. You can get a free 7 day trial for both I think.

    The reciprocal link issue is tough, since many people can argue both sides. Some say its useless and can get you penalized. Other people say its no big deal and can actually help. According to SEOmoz.org, natural reciprocal links come naturally and are difficult to avoid. It starts to become fishy once people say "hey, I'll link to your blog if you link to mine" and then your site begins to acquire higher than normal amounts of 1 to 1 links with suspicious content and anchor text. That's when it starts to draw negative attention.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sheryl Polomka
    I have to agree with you on the Google Keyword Tool, I preferred the older one and don't really like the new one at all. I use Market Samurai and I can honestly say I have never regretted buying that software program, I have certainly got my moneys worth out of it.

    Reciprocal linking is a tough one and there are different opinions on it. I heard recently that Google doesn't pay much attention to blogroll backlinks so perhaps instead of doing a reciprocal link you could maybe just comment on these blogs from time to time to get links from the pages within the blog.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I've been using SEObook (free) - and it gives quite a bit of info.

      As for reciprocal links - a few good recip links with well related sites will work for you long term. Some will tell you they are useless - and if you trying to get quick links to short term or thin site, forget it. It isn't "the strategy" it once was - but it still works if you do it right.

      If you are building a good long-term blog, do it. It doesn't have to be a "please exchange" strategy - can be guest posting or having another blog mention you site in a post in exchange for you giving them a plug.

      Reciprocal linking the right way is much harder than the easy (spammy?) backlinking so often recommended - but I have site that get traffic every day from links exchanged with good sites several years ago.

      kay
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      • Profile picture of the author Jillycakes
        Thanks everyone for the replies! Looks like I'm going to have to buy Market Samurai. As far as the reciprocal links, I guess I'll have to see what's up when I get further involved with the site. Really appreciate the feedback
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin_Hutto
    Hey Jillycakes. Welcome.

    There are lots of keyword tools. Market samurai is good. Wordtracker is good. Micro Niche finder is good. I would say any one of those would work well for a beginner.

    Second, as for reciprocal links... They are fine. They USED to be very effective and then G just greatly diminished the value - but they dont *hurt* you... I have been doing this a long time and the whole links hurt you argument has never held water. For a while it was that links from "bad neighborhoods" hurt you, or recip links, or no follow (which still passes link juice BTW)... Bottom line is that linkbuilding is beneficial. There are types of links that will be MOST worthy of your time. Like guest blog posting at sites that have your keywords in their title tags (hint). Those links are very valuable. So it wont hurt you, I just wouldnt waste a bunch of time on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author fazlerocks
    Hey man!

    Google's keyword tool is still the best one, which I would recommend you. Don't ignore what Google's prediction about niche. After all Google still rules the Internet Globe. As far as back links are concerned, they are good for making your blog search engine friendly. The more backlinks you get the better will be your PR.

    Best wishes for your Blog!!
    ~ Fazle
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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    I use Micro Niche Finder for keyword research and really love it. Others use Market Samurai and really love it so you won't go wrong either way.

    As for reciprocal links ... a few won't hurt, but do social bookmark and ping your posts. I use ping.fm and pingler.com every time I post a new post. I post the post to twitter also and the really good ones to Stumbleupon. Social bookmarks are a good way to get indexed fast and get some traffic if your content is good.

    Then there's article marketing for backlinks. Write or get some articles written and submit to Ezine Articles for backlinks.
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  • Profile picture of the author eiilers
    Market Samurai all the way. I've used just about everything, and it's the best I've used - period.
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisbiz
    Market samurai works best for me. Keyword recearch, competition analysis, content creation etc, you name it, Market samurai has it. You just need to spend sometime exploring the tool for you to utilize its features. Market samurai offers great things to IMers.
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