Nofollow Reciprocal Links

Hi all,

I've been hearing that reciprocal links basically cancel each other out, aka do not pass any value, however what happens if you nofollow the link back to their website?
Does the search spider reach your end and not count the link back, therefore giving you value for that inbound link? (For example directory listings with reciprocal links).

Just wondering if anyone had any evidence/educated guesswork to suggest it's correct/bs?

Thanks

Futureproofseo,

I think its hard to say. Especially on a small scale where two webmasters may only be sharing one or two links with each other. The fact that its no follow or do follow probably makes little difference. In general Google is looking for patterns of deception. If it can see that a site is just trading links and its very obvious, that's when links start losing their power.

I think if you just did it a couple times you should be fine. Keep in mind to that users still follow reciprocal links even if search engines discredit them.

This article is dated but the concept that Cutts points out I think is still viable. Note the part of his answer where he says use no follow,

http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/015764.html

Best,

Shawn

Thanks ContentAuthority,

I suppose diversity is the key! I'll try and offer other link locations instead of reciprocating them directly.