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    Google now discounts all reciprocal links

    Evan Dechtman
    Updated
    1 min read

    For a long time, reciprocal links have remained at the forefront of most inbound linking strategies. This is going to have to change. Google now discounts all reciprocal links. The al

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    For a long time, reciprocal links have remained at the forefront of most inbound linking strategies. This is going to have to change. Google now discounts all reciprocal links. The algorithm has been altered to identify the exchange of links by two parties for the purpose of increasing their number of inbound links. The concept of reciprocal linking defies Google’s original intention with the algorithm. Quality content should attract links. The exchange of links is nothing more than a mutual agreement to unjustifiably promote others’ content with the end goal of promoting your own. Google doesn’t particularly like this (see Link Schemes). Some even claim that Google is now able to identify three-way linking schemes (i.e. website A links to website B, who links to website C, who links back to A). Whether this is true or not is hard to say. One thing is for certain though: inbound linking strategies should NOT be centered around reciprocal linking. This manufactured form of link creation is not well-received and is ultimately a waste of time. Instead, focus on creating unique, high-quality content in a given niche. The links will ensue.

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    Evan Dechtman - Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist

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    Evan Dechtman

    Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist

    Local SEOMarketing AutomationGBP OptimizationLead GenerationFractional CMO
    ✓ Google Business Profile Certified✓ 25+ Years Digital Marketing

    Founder of HEARD Digital Marketing with 25+ years of experience helping local businesses win their markets through proven Local SEO and Marketing Automation strategies.

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