Paying for Links is Like Playing Catch with a Live Hand Grenade

In the world of digital marketing, the subject of ‘link building’ and, more specifically, the exchange of money for links in order to increase the rankings of a website, is a hotly debated one. There are some digital marketing experts who freely use this tactic, actively promote it and even offer it as a service to other digital marketing professionals. Then there are those who consider it cheating, underhand, deceitful and in direct violation of Google’s very strict rules. In which camp do I sit, you may wonder? I’m firmly in the latter. Google’s TOS (terms of service) has always been very clear on this subject: if you pay for a link to manipulate the rankings so your website ranks higher, you’re in violation of Google’s terms of service. You may, therefore, be subject to Google’s swift, unyielding action. Yet there are many business owners who unwittingly fall for the patter of companies offering better rankings in exchange for money (and links) and find themselves in hot water with Google. In this podcast I lay it down clearly, firmly and without any ambiguity. If you’re considering using a link seller, or if you’re considering using a digital marketing company or freelancer who has promised you paid links will increase your rankings, please first listen to this podcast. Be in not doubt, paying for links to increase the rankings of your website is like playing catch with a live hand grenade. Eventually it’s going to blow up in your face. Google's own guide on paying for links: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/advanced/guidelines/link-schemes Watch this episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtB8DunE_gg About your host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ https://engagingmarketeer.com https://www.engageweb.co.uk  Support the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.