Difference between Hot Links & Review/Referral Links

3 replies
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I have a basic Freebies for Newbies page, motivated by a bit of exposure for myself advertising sites/links I found very useful but I am not pirating content? Just referrals, (non affiliate), or reviews.

1) Are Hot Links, linking to someone's else site as a referral, impolite?

2) Could this affect your site's Search Engine Optimisation?

Link to the page in my signature, I just need guidance on this issue, I don't want to upset anyone.
#difference #hot #links #review or referral
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Diamond
    Originally Posted by DIYDomain View Post

    1) Are Hot Links, linking to someone's else site as a referral, impolite?
    Not in the slightest. Almost any website owner appreciates links to their site, especially ones that they didn't have to ask for or pay for.

    Originally Posted by DIYDomain View Post

    2) Could this affect your site's Search Engine Optimisation?
    Yes, and in a positive way, up to a point. Google's algorithms reward sites that link to other sites, especially well known sites. But you can't look like nothing more than a link farm or link directory. There ought to be some good content on your site as well. I would say that you probably should go for more text than you currently have.

    Steve
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    Mindfulness training & coaching online
    Reduce stress | Stay focused | Keep positive and balanced
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  • Profile picture of the author iBBnet
    I did not verify the accuracy of this info...

    but I heard that search engines frown on sites that are only filled with affiliate links -- even to major retailers (Amazon, CJ links, Overstock, etc). That's probably why most coupon/freebie sites don't use their affiliate links directly. Instead, they use some type of forwarding: ie. myownsite.com/clickthru-affid
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    Bryan
    After5PC.net
    Freelance Web Development
    and Graphic Design Services
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  • Profile picture of the author DIYDomain
    Thanks all for input on this issue!

    Steve, your advice is extremely useful and positive, makes me feel a lot better, thanks for the tip not end up looking like a link farm!
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