All links ultimately
accomplish the same thing. They provide a way for someone to click and
be brought to your web site. But some types of links also have other
effects and purposes.
Currently, most people
seek links due to thinking the search engines will reward them for those
links with higher rankings. This is potentially true, however the
resulting chaos has bordered on absurd. The engines have in many
ways caused their own headache.
Let's discuss some of
the types of links, their value, how each is obtained, and how each can
impact your site.
Types of Links
The most basic link of all: A link from
one web site to another web site
Example: Yahoo's
directory, or DMOZ
directory
A links on subject specific page pointing
to another subject specific page
http://www.epa.gov/ne/assistance/ceitts/stormwater/links.html
Such links also now have the potential
to improve search engine
rankings
A new batch of terms
emerges...
expert site, authority
site, hub site, quality link, organic link
A links that generate temporary buzz, like
USA
Today Hot Sites, Yahoo Picks
of the day/week, FORBES BOTW
A links that is paid for
text-link-ads.com,
adbrite.com
If you base all link seeking on SEO and rankings
factors, you will miss out on a huge number of possible links and publicity
since not all links can be found and counted.
Only a small fraction of the potential links
for any given site will ever be found by the search engines. Email based
links can't be counted, but they are incredibly useful.
What is a quality link for a pure