We constantly get requests for link swaps and sponsored (paid for) links on our websites, its actually a bit of a compliment (even though its annoying to have so much ‘spam’) as this means our websites are ranked on an International stage and have got interest from a lot of people. Just for fun I decided to see what they proposed so decided to reply and see if I can get them to pay £250 (wouldn’t ever sell links or allow 3rd party articles on our websites). Please read the resulting conversations that should demonstrate that these companies want to place links on websites to advertise their own website’s that are completely in breach of Google’s Webmaster Guidelines. The days of paid for links are coming to an end as Google’s algorithm becomes more and more sophisticated and the penalties for buying links become more severe.
[Advertising Agency] I found your website while looking for websites or blogs to promote my client.I was wondering if you might consider placing a link to my client on your site? Ideally I would be looking to provide some content to be published as a new page / post. If this is something you may be interested in, you have any questions or would like any further info please let me know.
[Website Design Company] We have had these requests in the past but now would be interested to hear what you are offering, please give us details
[Advertising Agency] What we propose is to add a new page to (name of the website they want to advertise on). One of our team of dedicated content will put together an article about booking holidays to one of the locations that your site lists. The article will focus on diving and the preparations involved in going to one of the locations. This will include a standard link through to our client’s website. We ask that you upload this content as part of your site. In return for this we will provide you with £90 for the inclusion of this page. When the content has been agreed and uploaded we will transfer this money through to your PayPal account. Let me know if you require any further information.
[Website Design Company] We will consider putting a page on the blog (under a new category of your choice like ‘diving holidays’ but will here are our terms:
1, Article must be over 500 words
2, Content must be unique and relevant to diving
3, You tell us in advance the
4, Cost for inclusion will be £250
[Advertising Agency] Unfortunately £250 is outside of my present client’s budget. If that changes is it ok to get back to you about placing a link? It would make a change to place a link on a site that interests me for a change
[Website Design Company] Ok but you need to tell them that you will get a link on the most popular PADI IDC website in the world with a huge amount of visitors per month. Feel free to come back to me when you can get that price for the page / link.
