Generic Link Mining – "The Golden Path To Generic IBLs" By: Ken Webster Several Webmaster Forums have indicated belief that “Reciprocal” Links hold less value than “Generic” links in more recent Search Engine Algorithm changes. “Generic" IBLs or BLs as they are frequently being called, are incoming links that you don’t exchange a link with. We believe that link swapping to gain more links has been shown to promote Sites without proper relevancy. Recent history is replete with “Gray Hat” and “Black Hat” SEO shady practices exploiting that Search Engine algorithm deficiency.
We believe that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that recent SE algorithm changes have started diminishing value of reciprocated links, as they also seem to have been relegating multiple links under one top domain, such as in forums and blogs, to help decrease “Spam”.
The Search Engines maintain user popularity through perceived search relevancy. Search Engine users democratically select which Search Engine they feel yields most relevant returns. It only stands to reason that most relevant will be most popular, garnering larger “slices” of revenue “pie”, estimated at $12Billion USD in 2005 by some sources.
The 5 best methods to build low cost "Generic" IBLs are:
1) Keep adding content depth and uniqueness. – This is oldest, most stable proven "White Hat" SEO (Search Engine Optimization) method. Provide content uniqueness and depth on a timely basis and not only will you find that your Site statistics reveal more return visitors than SEs deliver but you will find that links to targeted Site are picked up automatically, without costly effort. For most part, when you think you have enough well written authoritive content, you probably don’t.
You will also find that freshness plays a key role. The Search Engines tag your Server’s “If Modified Since Header” and key on updated pages for Site “spidering” frequency and depth. This is clearly stated in GOOGLE Webmaster Guidelines, (Technical Guideline #3) at www.google.com/webmasters/guidelines.html .
2) Submit to Relevant Directories, as many as possible. Two good places to start are:
A. The GOOGLE Directory at: http://directory.google.com .Click on any targeted topic of interest and you will find a relative “Directories” Category under each.
B. There is a long running Forum entitled “High Ranking Directories” In WebProWorld Search Engine Discussion Forum that has proven valuable to many readers at: http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=21900 .
Find Directories relevant to your Site and Submit until your fingers are sore, and then do it all over again and again, until you see results you want.
3) Press Releases are an extremely favorable way to gain Generic Site Links, Press, Customers and Targeted Traffic all at once. Read Press Release that came out on (Feb. 28, 2005) from Search Engine Strategies 2005 Conference & Expo, entitled; “Search Engine Marketing Pros Turning to News Search Engines and News Release Optimization to Meet Clients’ Needs “ here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005feature/2/prweb212108 .