Makes sense in the fact that it's more 'targeted' I guess would be the word? I assume it kind of depends on word count and some other factors, of the way your link is being 'suggested?'
Can you define what 'real' and 'natural' would be/examples? Much appreciated! Also thanks for the advice.
Yes, targeted is a good word for it. Google and other search engines recognize that lots of links are not real "suggestions," or are not "targeted" suggestions.
A suggestion (link) is almost like a vote for the website. Lots of websites allow you to add your own website in the comment section, but the website is not really "voting" for you, so Google counts those as much less valuable. I can add my website in my profile and signature on BlackHatWorld, but Google also recognizes that those are not real "votes" from BlackHatWorld, and counts them as much less valuable.
Real and natural is what people do on Websites and Social Media when they are not being paid to do it.
So, when I am writing an article about Playstation Video Games, I will link to the Sony Playstation website.
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Example:
Video games have always been an important part of my life. The first system I had was a Sony Playstation. These days, I am on a limited budget, so I am still using a Playstation 3 playing Grand Theft Auto. There are
hundreds of games for the PS3 I still haven't played. Maybe when I have played every game, I will decide to purchase a PS4. It will probably be less than $50 by then!
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See, in that bit of writing that I would put on my personal blog, it makes sense for me to naturally link to the official Sony Playstation website showing all PS3 games. I am not doing it because Sony is paying me, I am doing it because it's useful for my visitors to see a list of the PS3 games available, and it is "proof" that I didn't just make it up about how many PS3 games there are.
People naturally add real links to provide their readers with more information on a subject, as a recommendation of services or products related to their writing, or to cite a source from a respected authority to back up their statements as fact.
If I have a website about video games, it wouldn't make sense for me to recommend a fancy Microwave in the footer of my website. But, if I was posting a personal story on my blog about how my last microwave exploded, then it would make sense if I linked to the place where I bought my new microwave, or a place where I got a coupon for a new microwave, or something like that. Thats natural and real linking.