Comments on: Yes, Links Do Still Matter…A Lot!

By: Logan F.

Logan F. — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 02:49:42 +0000

Hummingbirds are madly in love with natural and relevant link profiles, links from relevant sources (and not just PageRank 7 sources), links from evergreen content sites, links from established, reputable online publications. Trust and authority remain king. How do we get that? Provide content that helps people solve problems, or better yet, teaches them something.

By: Kurt Steinbrueck

Kurt Steinbrueck — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 18:01:48 +0000

Yep, links as a ranking factor aren't going anywhere any time soon. However, now all links are good. Spammy, paid, and manipulative links can harm you more than help. So, it's important to keep it natural.

By: Kurt Steinbrueck

Kurt Steinbrueck — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:59:40 +0000

In reply to Michael W Smith Jr. Yep! Great content usually leads to more links anyway. So, in a sense, you're doing both...just doing it naturally. Awesome!

By: Kurt Steinbrueck

Kurt Steinbrueck — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:57:51 +0000

In reply to James Meyer.

Google's Matt Cutts has specifically said that they aren't using +1s as a ranking factor (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6243451). There are some SEOs who think he's not being entirely truthful, but that's the official word.

Several studies have shown at least a correlation of improved rankings to +1s, but it's really hard to show a direct relationship unless you are able to isolate all the other factors. After more +1s usually also correlate with more traffic, more links, etc. which would also affect rankings.

So, I'd be doubtful that G+ accounts for 0.3% of a sites ranking. I'd also be cautious with any claim of a specific percentage. Google divulge their algorithm, so how would anyone know a specific percentage?

Right now, I'd say getting more shares and +1s is good for the traffic and because it can lead to more links which can lead to higher rankings. Also, personalization can increase rankings on an individual basis. So, "Yeah!" for more +1s.

By: PaulSteinbrueck

PaulSteinbrueck — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 03:16:18 +0000

In reply to James Meyer. James, do you have a link that explains that figure?

By: PaulSteinbrueck

PaulSteinbrueck — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 03:15:15 +0000

Thanks for the comment, but keep it free of spammy links next time. Thanks.

By: PaulSteinbrueck

PaulSteinbrueck — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 03:14:31 +0000

In reply to Michael W Smith Jr. Awesome! You can't go wrong with good content, Michael.

By: Michael W Smith Jr

Michael W Smith Jr — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:22:52 +0000

Good post and some excellent points. I agree webmaster's are some what daunted by all the new penalizing algorithms that have been released. Yes there is a lot of misinformation that is being put out on the web. Although, I recognized that links are important to rankings, I have decided to do what your organization does so well, put out good content. Cheers!

By: cperky

cperky — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:16:53 +0000

I use links for digital media where I work. I prefer links to most other applications.

By: James Meyer

James Meyer — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:11:54 +0000

I've seen that G+ accounts for 0.3% of a sites ranking. Don't know how true it is but that's what I've seen.