When etiquette of any kind is used in
dealing with people, everything goes a lot more smoothly. Etiquette draws lines
between what is acceptable and unacceptable.
Auntie Google's Guide to Link Exchange
Etiquette
1 - Have a Link Exchange
Policy (LEP). Let Webmasters know How to trade links with you.
Is it simply by e-mail or using software on your site?
2 - Make sure that you make it
perfectly clear what information is to be included in or within the link they
place on their page. This is very important because the wrong information about
your site on another site undermines the entire reason for link exchanging.
3 - Make sure that you, in
return, get the correct information from the start that you will be adding to
your site linking to theirs. This becomes a bit much when exchanging links via
e-Mail. Most link software takes care of this. I highly recommend
LinkMachine.
4 - Respond to e-Mails within
24 hours when possible! Just let the Webmaster know that you got the e-Mail even
if you aren't able to get to their link request right away.
5 - If you do not wish to
exchange links, send a short e-mail explaining why. This will save the other
webmaster time. As a Webmaster you know what Auntie's talkin' about!
6 - Carry through! It is
unfair not to. Quite frankly I call it dishonest.
7 - Notify Webmasters you
link with if there have been changes to your site that would effect where they
would usually find the link back to their site.
8 - Remember how busy we can
become. At the same time remember that it's the same for other Webmasters. Give
them a break. Be patient. Always be sure to send a reminder e-Mail if you have
not gotten a reply regarding link exchange requests you make. If there is no
response after a reminder is sent it is well within reason to remove any links
you may have added to their site!
9 - Back to #2 for a moment,
in reverse - Use the link details the other Webmaster wants you to! Why? because
I told you to! Jus' kiddin', Hon. We all have certain keywords we wish to use
in our links for "keyword optimization". You expect that from another Webmaster,
dontcha?
10 - If ya want your Link
Exchange to work follow Aunties advice.
11 - If ya wanna be a
LinkMaster - Be a great one, Hon.
Much emotion,
Auntie Google
Link.Openly: Etiquette