LINKING STRATEGY

I would definitely check out the site before agreeing to exchange links. You don't want a bunch of spammy sites linking to you.

You say you both deal with sexual subjects but don't say what.

If you are not in the same area of business, you can do well with complementary link exchanges. Those are the ones where you sell something that enhances what they're offering and vice versa.

So if that is a dating site and you are selling sexy products, that would be complementary. But if you're selling products or services that help married couples, then it would not be complementary.

When Google sees relevant site links, they consider those to add value, rather than devalue your site. And sexy and dating are related but different.

Hope that makes sense.

Sylvia

Hi endre

Thank you for filling in more details so we can better assist you.

Off the bat, I'd say... No... your site would not be a good link exchange with a dating site. Clearly, your topic is, if anything, the exact opposite of that site.

Before I explain a good link for you, here's a bit about 3-way linking.

3-way is when you can provide a link back to the other person's site from a second web site of yours. You put their link on your first site. This eliminates the direct link exchange. When you do a direct link-back, the link loses its value as far as Google goes. You want one-way back links to your site for maximum benefit.

So if you can't link back to them from a separate site, get them to link to you from a separate site and you link to their first site.

Now about relevancy.

Again, it depends what angle you are approaching your topic, but a couple of good exchanges would be with crime-related sites, mental health sites (as this behavior is related to some mental health issue), and women's sites where they discuss safety for women. Look for sites that offer resources in these areas: crime, personal safety, information on mental health issues, community information - where they offer advice on community concerns. Crime buster sites.

Parent sites where they can get advice on keeping their children safe.
(A side note on this topic: when I was 12, a man pulled up to me in a car seeking directions. When I approached, to my alarm he turned out to be an exhibitionist. He could have been dangerous, I don't know, but he sure scared the crap out of me. And it was right in front of my own house - and I had my dog with me at the time.)

So this is an important issue for parents to be aware of. It's not just something that happens between adults. Of course, you might already know this.

Yes, sites can hurt you, especially if you are linking back. That's the key. Make sure the sites are good quality sites, not junk sites, and not sites that are nothing but link farms. Also, sites that have relevant links - many just add links for the sake of adding them.

Always check the sites before agreeing to a link. You want the sites to offer an extension to what you're offering. You want quality. Think of it like reading a book. When you're done, it's great to get to the Resources page and see places you can look for additional information on the topic.

That's the whole idea behind link exchanges, as far as Google is concerned - and it should be for all web site owners. Adding more value.

Now, if a site links to you and you don't link back, Google simply ignores it. You have no control over who puts up your link. Just don't link back.

Hope this clears up some issues for you.

Sylvia

Hi Andrew,

I'm sending you a PM.

Sylvia