There is an ongoing argument amongst SEO experts whether inbound links need to be relevant for SEO to count. Most SEO experts who do think that any link will do, still agree that that a relevant link is more effective.

 

Why?

 

As I am sure all of you know Googles Algorithm works by reading the content on your site and catagorises and ranks it accordingly. It therefore stands to reason that Google will also read how relevant the content on the inbound links to your site are and that this is a large part of Googles Algorithm. See this link for more info

 

This is where I advertise my directory!

 

The Professional Web Design Directory has had an instant impact with Google as I understand the importance of content, not only for my site, but also for the design companies listed within. I have put top quality content on most of my pages (working on it), and as far as I am aware, the only design directory to do so!

 

If you wish to join, give my directory a visit. See link below:

Related links add more value IMO than non related links.

agreed

Luckily unrelated links aren't penalised though. Imagine if they were, what length some companies would go to, to tarnish other companies reputations.

 

All links are good links, but related ones are better.

 

Ones that people share are even better.

 

Links that are shared because of great content are better again.

 

Whilst links from related pages that are authorities are even better again.

 

Inbound link (anchor) text can also be a good indicator of how good the link back is in terms of boosting SEO.

 

Thinking about linking though consider other aspects of Google's algorithm Google's algorithm.

Most bad or irrelevant links will be ignored by Google.

 

However all links are not good links otherwise how would Google Bowling work.

Neil that link you gave is a pain - that download book thing won't shift or go away so that you can get to the website. They must get a very high bounce rate.

Ha, not my site by the way. I would never use pop ups. But if you can get to the content it does make a good point.

Non relavant links have just as much weight.

 

Do you think 500 PR9 backlinks about topics that differ from your website content wouldn't have an effect? Links are links.

 

Andrew Wheeler

Neil that link you gave is a pain - that download book thing won't shift or go away so that you can get to the website. They must get a very high bounce rate.

 

 

I just went and had a look at that link. Your right, how annoying is that advert before you can get through to content. very frustrating!!!

Trouble is most people are finding a link is a link is a link.

Perhaps it time that Google reconsidered the relevance of backlinks as it seems to me that most are created artificially to improve search engine ranking?

Once again, I must remind people that the discussion is that relevant links are more important and not that links in general are not at all. Even if you don't believe this to be true, you have to consider that Google may change as it always seems to do!

When it comes to SEO , relevant links are most important, but that doesnt mean irrelevant links have no value. Even though its an irrelevant if the link has shared for good content then that link is more valuable. So each link has some value, link is always a link.