Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

When I set up my website, I added a number of helpful links to the site for small business owners. These included links to the IRS, and multiple links that are state specific. When I was done, there were probably over 100 sites I linked to. Maybe even 200, and honestly, maybe even more than that, I don't know. Now, according to my analytics, these links are clicked on regularly. However, they must rank high in a google search, because they are always an entry point, and an exit point. When I added them, I specifically wanted them to be used as a helpful guide for people looking for a government form, or small business advise. I have since read that having multiple outlinks can hurt the value of your site, and can even effect where you are placed in the search engines. I don;t want to remove the links, but I also don't want them to hurt my business. What have you heard? Does having outlinks on your site hurt you?

Take a look at this article that will answer most of your questions

http://www.seositecheckup.com/articles/76

I appreciate the article.  It was very helpful.  Most of the sites I link to are .gov sites, so I think that the links are ok, and possibly a good thing to have.  Thanks again!

I would have to agree that having some outlinks is not a bad thing, and is in fact good. Going overboard might not be the best idea, but providing quality resources to your visitors adds value to your site. Remember, it's called the "web" for a reason. Websites are supposed to be linked together. Just make sure you are keeping your outlinks to reputable sites.

I would suggest you have your Google landing page have a link to another one of your pages that have out bound links... Here is the strategy...

On your landing page have a link to another one of your pages that say for example "Federal Tax Forms here"  this goes to your links page... If a Google visitor takes this path there will be no page backwards  notification to Google and the visitor will appear to Google as if they found what they wanted in their search and Google will rate that keyword referal higher.

Good infromation here. Would like to add this.  Build your site for your customers - provide information or resources that they will find helpful - if that includes out bound links than by all means.

If you build your site for your customers - then the search engines will find and reward you.  If you build it for the search engines, even though they may find you - your customers will not reward you for it.

that is some SWEEEET info!  Thanks!

Thanks Designleap for you informative link.

It does not hurt you if you have limited number of links, do not add links on home-page if you have to give out too many link, make a partner/links page.

When I set up my website, I added a number of helpful links to the site for small business owners. These included links to the IRS, and multiple links that are state specific. When I was done, there were probably over 100 sites I linked to. Maybe even 200, and honestly, maybe even more than that, I don't know.

Now, according to my analytics, these links are clicked on regularly. However, they must rank high in a google search, because they are always an entry point, and an exit point.