Introduction
Since the implementation of the Penguin update, the importance of backlinks in SEO has undergone a significant transformation. Instead of focusing on the quantity of backlinks, today, search engines prioritize the quality and relevance of these links. In the past, sitewide backlinks were frequently used as a paid strategy to increase website visibility. However, the Penguin update cracked down on spammy and irrelevant backlinks, raising questions about the impact of sitewide links on SEO. This article aims to shed light on the effects of sitewide backlinks and suggests alternative methods for obtaining them.
Relevant and Natural Backlinks
Regardless of the link-building strategy you employ, the relevance of backlinks is paramount. As a blogger focusing on topics such as blogging, SEO, and WordPress, it is entirely natural and relevant for you to link to websites like ProBlogger and SearchEngineland within your articles or include them in a blogroll on your sidebar. The problem arises when backlinks are forced and unrelated to your content. For instance, providing an exact match backlink to domains unrelated to your niche, such as “Forex trading” or “insurance sites,” can be deemed as unnatural and spammy.
Insights from Matt Cutts
Renowned SEO expert, Matt Cutts, explains in a recent webmaster video that sitewide backlinks are not inherently bad if they are natural and relevant. However, he also points out that obtaining links from blog footers like “Site developed by XYZ company” or “Free WordPress theme by XYZ” is less effective now since you lack control over the websites linking to you. Previously, releasing free WordPress themes or plugins was an easy way to secure sitewide links. Unfortunately, this method is now considered spammy and could lead to penalties from the Penguin update. The main reason behind this is the inability to control the niche using your themes or plugins, resulting in a plethora of irrelevant backlinks with specific anchor text. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these methods when seeking sitewide links.
Obtaining Sitewide Links
The preferred method for acquiring a domain-wide link is to request webmasters to include your domain in their blogroll, but only if the link is relevant or you can obtain a sponsored link. Relevancy remains crucial in this process. While a three-way link pyramid can still be useful, it is important to acknowledge the potential risks of attracting a penalty from Google.
Natural Sitewide Links
There are various methods of obtaining natural sitewide links from footers or blogrolls. However, both the source and recipient of these links must be cautious. For web design and development sites, it is often more beneficial to receive a mention in a blog post rather than a sitewide footer link. Nevertheless, certain exceptions can be made if the site being developed aligns with the same niche. Once again, relevancy plays a significant role.
A sitewide Blogroll link to a relevant niche can be advantageous for SEO. In fact, linking out to authoritative domains with a sitewide Blogroll link is unlikely to have a negative impact. Many clients I have worked with willingly provide sitewide links to useful websites within the same niche, and thus far, none of them have experienced penalties from the Penguin update. A noteworthy example is SmashingApps, which maintains a sitewide blogroll link to quality and authoritative domains. It is important to establish a two-way link exchange to avoid potential penalties for spam.
Even if you opt for a paid blogroll link, ensure that it appears natural and does not link out to spam or irrelevant sites. By using a three-way link pyramid, you can still obtain a blogroll link that appears natural and relevant, contributing positively to your SEO efforts.
Conclusion
Sitewide backlinks can still offer value to your SEO strategy if obtained in a natural, relevant, and ethical manner. With the advancements in search engine algorithms, it is crucial to prioritize the quality and relevance of backlinks over quantity. Avoid spammy practices and focus on building natural, sitewide links that enhance your website’s visibility and credibility within your niche.
