Bare url or anchor texts which one has better results?
- Thread starter javadth
- Start date
TheGramSam
Junior Member
- Nov 7, 2025
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For guest posts and niche edits, always use relevant, keyword-rich anchor text for the best SEO impact; reserve bare URLs only for brand mentions where a natural anchor text doesn't fit, as contextual links with targeted keywords pass stronger ranking signals.
- Dec 2, 2015
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If the link is a a quality one, go with the exact anchor text and be more aggressive.
- Aug 27, 2012
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If the link is a a quality one, go with the exact anchor text and be more aggressive.
im not sure but my six sense says google flags exact anchors as spam
- Dec 2, 2015
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From my experience exact anchor provide better ranking improvement...
But you should use it wisely with other anchors as well, naked branded etc. 
- Aug 9, 2017
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I think it's best to look at the SERPs you are targeting and check what the top 10 are using. Try and copy what is already being rewarded - the old 'match and exceed' method.
- Sep 9, 2023
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For me, the safest mix is using branded or bare URLs on PBNs or weaker sites, and using partial-match anchors on strong guest posts or solid niche edits.
Exact-match anchors can still work, but using them too often makes things unstable. A natural spread of branded, URL, and partial anchors usually gives the best long-term results.
Exact-match anchors can still work, but using them too often makes things unstable. A natural spread of branded, URL, and partial anchors usually gives the best long-term results.
Builder Dave
Power Member
- Nov 4, 2017
- 653
- 654
Mix it up! Sticking to just one looks unnatural.
viserlab360
Junior Member
- Oct 27, 2025
- 100
- 19
Using anchor text with relevant keywords usually gives better SEO results, but keep it natural and varied. Bare URLs are safer if you want to avoid over-optimization penalties.