Reciprocal Links - Are They Still Effective?

John Calder

© 2004, John Calder
http://www.TheEzine.net

Recently there has been talk that Google has discounted reciprocal linking as a factor in their ranking algorithm. For webmasters who don't know, reciprocal links are just traded links - web site A links to site B, and site B in exchange links to site A. Often the term "linking partner" is used instead of reciprocal link. In the past, it seems that reciprocal links have played an important role in how a site is ranked in search results. It was an indicator from the webmaster that the other site was of value to their visitors.

Once marketers caught on to this, various software was developed that would help automate the process. As webmasters started freely swapping links with every other webmaster, this diluted the value of having reciprocal links in place. Google caught on to this, and apparently has now downgraded or completely removed this type of linking as a ranking factor.

Should marketers continue to pursue reciprocal links? Are they worthwhile? It probably depends on

1) why you want the links, and
2) which sites you want to trade links with.

Although reciprocal links may not be as useful for search engine optimization anymore, they can still bring you traffic. After all, your link is on other sites that also receive traffic, and it's only reasonable that you'll get some percentage of that. There's no cost, other than possibly some software to automate the linking process, so it probably doesn't hurt anything as long as you don't overdo it.

Also, rather than trading links with anyone and everyone who will do so, consider limiting your reciprocal linking only to sites that are on-topic, or related, to yours. For example, if you run a bicycle site, it's reasonable enough to trade links with other bicycle sites, travel sites featuring cycling vacations, skateboarding and inline-skating sites, and so on. It probably wouldn't make sense to link to a jewelry site though.

The best advice is to keep your reciprocal links on-topic, exercise some restraint, and make sure they provide value to most of your visitors.

John Calder is the owner/editor of The Ezine Dot Net. Subscribe Today and get real information YOU can use to help build your online business today! http://www.TheEzine.Net

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Just about every woman's weight fluctuates at least a little bit. As we age our bodies can also change shape. These changes are a result of many things - child birth, stress, menopause, additional pounds, or loss of weight. The reality is, that the world can't have a all size 5 women.

If we are a size 3, it seems we want to be a size 9 so we have a fuller looking figure. If we are a size 9 we want to be a size 5. There's just no making women happy. Add the media blitz on the perfect body, it seems we are always feeling inadequate.

Not to worry, it's quite easy to make yourself look a few pounds lighter, or to accent your finer points and hide your not so perfect body parts. There are also things you can do to make a small frame look a little larger.

Just because you've gained a couple of extra pounds, you don't have to go looking for a moo moo to wear. Accentuating your finer points is easier than you think. When you accent your good points, the not so good ones fade into the background.

Use illusion to make yourself look two or three sizes smaller. Choosing clothing to suit your shape, skin color, and lifestyle can cut your wardrobe spending in half. Think about all the things you can do with that extra money - buy more jewelry, or how about some new pairs of shoes. After all us women can never have enough of jewelry or shoes.

The average woman wears 25% of her wardrobe 85% of the time. So what happens to the rest of those wardrobe items. Well they hang in the closet gathering dust until they come back in fashion 10 or 15 years from now.

Because fashion changes so quickly, there is no point in stocking up on most wardrobe items. Yes, there are the basics that never go out of style such as classic black or white pants, dresses, and skirts. Traditional blazers and tops. But the rest of those wardrobe items will most likely be out of style in less than a year.

So if you're not going to wear it "right now" this "season, leave it at the store. Even when an items on sale, it's only a deal if your actually going to wear it.

Here's some tips to help you dress to look thinner:

Dark colors - black, navy, burgundy, dark blue, and gray are thinning
Use one color in various shades from head to toe
Avoid large patterns and horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes are okay as long as they aren't too big.
Don't use loose fitting clothing. Contrary to popular belief they don't make you look thinner. As well avoid bulky sweaters.
Use belts, accessories, and jewelry to draw attention away from your troubled spots.
Use flat cut pants and skirts, as well as low rise pants
Wear skirts that fall just below the knees for longer looking legs
Avoid shiny fabrics, velvets, and velours
If you are large busted wear a full figure, well fitting bra
Heel will add height and shape your legs
Dark panty hose will thin your legs
Wear shirts that's fall below the waist. Avoid shirts that tuck in.
Asymmetrical or tiered skirts will make your legs appear thinner and longer
Wear a fitted blazer
Use your hair and makeup to draw attention to your face

So don't worry if your weight fluctuates or you put on a few extra pounds, don't fret. Use these tips to make yourself look a little slimmer. Remember fashion is all about you! And being comfortable with who you are! Big or small your wardrobe, makeup, hair, and jewelry can make a fashion statement that won't go unnoticed.