For the past few days and weeks, a little rumor has been going around in the blogosphere that Google would penalize sites that are selling text links. Well, it has now been proved to be true. For example, sites like Copyblogger had its PageRank from 6 go down to 4. Problogger (even though it stopped selling links months ago) went from a 6 to 4 as well. Meanwhile, if you take a look at PageRank toolbar to see the PageRank of Slyvisions, you will see that it is currently a 2 (it was a projected 5). I say currently because I hope that’s about to change. How? Well, read on to find out how to sell text links without getting penalized by Google. It takes two easy steps to let Google give you a chance to get your PR back up.
1. If you still plan to sell text links, you can add the “no-follow” relative attribute to the links. This tells Google that the link should not be indexed and credited in terms of ranking in search results. Take a look at the example below.
2. This next step is one I actually got from ProBlogger. You will need to go to Google’s Webmaster Tools and make sure you have your site registered there. If it already is, go ahead and click the “Request Reconsideration” link on the right side of the Webmast Tools Dashboard. You will then have to report and ask for a reconsideration to why you think Google should not penalize you for your text links. You can explain that the paid-links on your site has been added the “no-follow” attribute and that your PR should be reconsider. After submitting it, it may take a few weeks for the re-evaulation process.
Remember, these tips are for direct sales for text-links. If you are a user of text link networks like Text-Link-Ads, you might just have to remove your site from their database since they give you a PHP code for the link. This is just to make sure that Google clearly sees that you are serious about getting your PR back.
Like every blogger would say, you can’t live by Google if you want your site successful. That’s why it might even be a better idea to just stop selling text-links. If you’re focused on making money online, you’ll need to start learning another way to do so. A blog is a blog. Monetizing it should be optional and should just be a sideline to what you do with your blog. Instead of selling text links for example, work hard with your blog and get other types of sponsors. Usually, you can make even more money through other alternatives.
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Rel no follow doesn’t always work when getting penalized =/
They still hate you for doing paid linkages.
Scratch back won’t get you penalized
What if google sees this? Won’t you be penalized still?
@ Grace - I don’t think they’ll mind. In fact, they want webmasters to use these guidelines.
If you are popular, scratch back will get you more money than selling text link ads
is this for real..i got banned by google once..huhu..don’t want to get banned twice=(
have you tried doing it? anything happened?
Google hates John Chow, they are having a little fight but no doubt that google will win
Im confused with this post can you tell me since Im such a dummie when it comes to some things like what do you mean selling text links on your blog?? What text links do you mean? Are you talking about the anchor text links that you put in when your writing an ad for someone who is paying you to write it like smorty post or pay per post? How do you sell text links? Please explain Id like to know and I will be looking for your reply on tis comment.. Thanks.Please check out my site and let me know do I have text links? How do they sell and for how much?
lilyruth’s last blog post..How can I do more with Links
Awesome. I didn’t know about the trick on Google Webmaster Resource, I am definitely going to do that immediately.. no idea they put out that option for you. Other tips are sound as well, as I definitely want to give out text link ads.
Jim’s last blog post..How To Effectively Use Images on Your Blog
If there is one thing I learn today is to add “nofollow” attribute to those text links. Thanks for the tips.
So we have to choose between TLA or Google PR, huh? We can’t have the best of both worlds, can’t we?
Blog for Beginnerss last blog post..Yet Another Contest from Tech Suave
i thought PR wasn’t as valuable as before though. At least thats what john chow claimed.
Great post and a really worthwhile read. Thanks for the heads up