Do link exchanges work? Should we do it anymore?
- Thread starter LinkSieve
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- link exchange
- Apr 30, 2009
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The swaps that make sense are between sites that would link to each other anyway, like a supplier and the shop that stocks them.
The ones that arrive by cold email from strangers are usually the other kind.
Is this a site you already know, or an offer that landed in your inbox?
The ones that arrive by cold email from strangers are usually the other kind.
Is this a site you already know, or an offer that landed in your inbox?
- Aug 23, 2017
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I guess it still usually comes down to value exchange.
If your site's authority is strong enough that the other website feels they can do an exchange and gain from it, then it makes sense for them.
There are other sites too that would actually accept a guest post from you as long as your article itself is good enough for them.
Maybe you can research those and start with that.
If your site's authority is strong enough that the other website feels they can do an exchange and gain from it, then it makes sense for them.
There are other sites too that would actually accept a guest post from you as long as your article itself is good enough for them.
Maybe you can research those and start with that.
lindarose2026
Registered Member
- Jul 9, 2026
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To be honest, while link exchange is not as effective in the current landscape of SEO as it once was, linking still works. The primary benefit of using links is that they drive new visitors or traffic to Your website and boost brand awareness. Furthermore, a link from a reputable site signals credibility to search engines, thereby enhancing your websites standing. While this helps improve your SEO ranking, one should avoid indiscriminate practices like reciprocal link exchanges, instead, relevant link building should be pursued organically.
- Feb 28, 2019
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This. It should never look like a trade but an obvious link. If you exchange links with an irrelevant site, you're just leaving footprint for Google to catch. Moreover, people who do link exchanges do it with several others creating a network. If one of the sites in the network catches fire, it'll eventually reach you.
- Aug 23, 2017
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Oh, that really makes sense now.
If you are within the network, as long as you are gaining links from others, you must be open to taking their links too, good or bad : D
It's like joining a cult... once you're in, you're in for the good and the bad : D
So, there are some marketplaces for link exchange, should I join them or not?
meyogi
Registered Member
- Jun 30, 2026
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Yep Linkedin has become the nerdy version of Facebook post pictures of ur unsuccessful campaigns with actual losses and watch the comments section explode immediately!
In my own view, I think that link exchanges should only be conducted where there is niche relevancy since it is very likely that there can be backlink that are not relevant at all nd have never been sought after.
- Dec 3, 2021
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Topical relevance and authority will matter. Although no website with strong authority will agree for a link exchange. It's mostly done between entry level websites to build their links. If you can find someone that is worth it, sure, worth trying.
But google identifies these patterns now. 2 websites linking back to each other simultaneously is a red flag.
But google identifies these patterns now. 2 websites linking back to each other simultaneously is a red flag.
- Feb 28, 2019
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Earlier people used to run farms for link exchanges. Google eventually destroyed most of them. That's the reason we only have PBNs and Guest posts now. P in PBN stands for Private. As soon as it's public, Google will give everyone a manual action penalty. Guest posts work because you are seen as a contributor but not link buyer. However, PBNs and paid Guest posts both violate Google's policies, so you should also keep it discrete while purchasing any kind of links.
Actually, I made a platform for quality link exchanges. It ensures partners make link live on deadlines. It gives a good CRM for link insertion, guest post and listicles. It provides directory where a lot of link builders can show their domains and do exchange deals. It tracks of the link is live, follow and indexed. It alerts you if your link goes nofollow or does after 3 months. It gives you a exchange card to share with your clients to show proof of your capabilities. It will show all your acquired links. My platform will ensure that it's true because those links were made in the platform
So, I was hoping that this idea will work as a saas for link exchanges but I don't know anymore. Can somebody guide me if that will provide good value to link builders or not.
So, I was hoping that this idea will work as a saas for link exchanges but I don't know anymore. Can somebody guide me if that will provide good value to link builders or not.
honestly, I would resort to link swapping only if the link is actually related to the niche otherwise you will get link that do not have anything to do with your site.
- Jun 25, 2015
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They can still have value when they happen naturally between relevant sites, especially for referral traffic and building relationships. But I wouldn’t do large scale