Does an Outbound Link to a PDF Count?

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Hey SEO experts. I recently purchased a four figure EMD domain name so I'm being very meticulous about how I go about optimizing it to rank. Before I owned the domain it was a redirect so there is no existing content.

My question is: I know it can improve SEO if you put an outbound link on each page to a related article on a high authority website... But how about a PDF? Will linking to a PDF on an authority website that talks about your topic help improve your search engine rankings?
#search engine optimization #count #link #outbound #pdf
  • Banned
    Outbound links aren't going to rank a page.
    • [1] reply
    • Sure, I am not referring to only using outbound links to rank my site just the idea that linking to an authority website from your article can improve your own rankings... like this: Outbound Link Tips | SEO Automatic
  • Banned
    Doesn't matter what anyone post on their SEO blog, outbound links aren't ranking pages. That's easily proven by not pointing backlinks at the money page that includes OBLs.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Yukon is right. The belief that outbound links help with SEO is a fallacy. I don't even bother linking to authority sites unless on PBNs just to create diversity or on my money sites when it is absolutely necessary.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • If outbound links do rank sites, then everyone will be linking to authority sites. That can easily be done.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Linking out to authority sites helps the authority site not yours.

    Yes there's an SEO benefit from the anchor text of the link, but you would get that benefit if you linked to another article on your own site.

    That being said if you want to rank for any of the SERPs on my sites feel free to link to my sites :-)

    Very funny how these SEO myths become 'SEO facts' because they are repeated over and over again on forums etc...

    David
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [2] replies
    • Sounds like the best option is to focus on internal linking then and ignore outbound links.
      • [1] reply
    • I am not too eager to have you link to an article on my blog despite the possible gain to me. I will still want to investigate your site to ensure it will be an asset to me and not a liability in the eyes of Google.
  • Yes but pdf submission never gives do follow all are pdf sharing websites gives only No follow Links , there is No Use.
  • Moz suggests that linking out to an authority site might give Google a signal that you are well referenced or documented.

    External Linking Good For SEO? - Whiteboard Friday - Moz

    Just think of all the edu pages that have a bibliography. Or, what about wiki that has endless citation sources? And, that's considered very authoritative.

    As for linking to a pdf that better explains the content on your page, that could work as Google will index the pdf. Assuming you are providing a do follow link they can follow.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • I agree with you seoboyz01 but apparently the concept is blasphemy on this forum. Wikipedia is a good indication that this method has merit. Also remember the web was built as a research tool and references are what links where made for. As long as you link to an authority site that isn't a competitor and you don't link with your desired keywords (maybe an LSI keyword instead) it should help. Thanks for the advice on the PDF!
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
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    Does an Outbound Link to a PDF Count?

    Hey SEO experts. I recently purchased a four figure EMD domain name so I'm being very meticulous about how I go about optimizing it to rank. Before I owned the domain it was a redirect so there is no existing content. My question is: I know it can improve SEO if you put an outbound link on each page to a related article on a high authority website... But how about a PDF? Will linking to a PDF on an authority website that talks about your topic help improve your search engine rankings?