Links are Still the King

It has been years since Google announced the importance of links in their search engine rankings. Even though the search engine giant has much changed over the years by adding email, a browser, a phone, and social media, Google's money making machine remains much the same. Sure, search engine optimizers are crying in their seats every time Google makes a change, but links will and always have been the most important part.

A few years ago, Google and the other search giants introduced a new term, "nofollow." This was meant to help blogs block spammers and to help their own search results. Of course, that didn't work. There are more spammers today than there ever have. I'm sure you, like me, receive spam everyday on your website and blog. The only real difference nofollow had was on Wikipedia, directories, and article submission websites. No longer does a link tell the whole story, you must look at the pages source to find the real answer.

Lucky for us, there are still many great ways to create links. Websites like Hubpages and Squidoo reward their writers, and why shouldn't they? We make them money. It's a love-love relationship.

Then there are websites like Propeller, RedGage, and Xomba which are easy to use and easy to get links. They work. Just don't spam or you'll be kicked to the curb.

There are also article submission websites which truly do work. EzineArticles is a great example. The problem (which also has its pluses), is that it can take days before your content is up. They review everything. The only way around this is to write quality articles and have them review your account. If you qualify, you'll receive a premium membership and have your work up in no time.

Nonetheless, the best links are still the same. Yahoo Directory and OODP are still the kings. Tons of link juice and tons of visitors.

So what has really changed over the last decade? Not much when it comes to search engine optimization. It's only made it harder for spammers and easier for those of us who want to work hard for results. Sure, there are blackhatters still today, but lets not talk about them.

See the author's Squdioo lenses at Gary's Lensography