Think Twice Before You Click “Share This Link”


One of the most important ways you can generate buzz around your blog or business from the 2 billion plus people, according to Internet World Stats, now using the worldwide web is by generating back-links to your site. In the past, using the “share this link” function on a syndication page was enough to increase web rankings and traffic, and subsequently, get a bigger shot at improving your revenue. However, Google, owning 67% of search engine market share, according to Search Engine Watch, continues to evolve its policies concerning how to share a link without risking their wrath. If you want to stay in Google’s good graces, then consider these dos and don’ts of sharing links.

The Dos of Generating Shared Links%3Cbr%3E

  • DO Share Others’ Content
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    When sharing a link from another content provider, you make a decision to network. As with any other type of business, getting others to become your cheerleader requires building a reciprocal relationship. As written on JanetEJohnson.com, you may never have to use a “share this link” function on a website again if you build a strong network of fellow publishers.

  • DO Use Social Bookmarking Sites
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    Social bookmarking sites are free, easy ways to get your content out their, while giving Google’s robots the high quality back-links they consider when dolling out rankings. Unlike link farming sites, social bookmarking services do not spam content across the web. Instead, they catalog and offer the content as part of their own services; this difference is enough to keep Google off content providers’ backs when they use social “share this link” services.

  • DO Focus on Content
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    Perhaps the best way to get any service or individual to share this link you want to syndicate is by writing fantastic content. According to Statistic Brain, more than 70 billion pieces of content are shared on Facebook every month. As CopyBlogger.com points out, writing engaging, useful content is key to gaining those shares that can have a huge impact on your bottom line.

Things You Need to Avoid%3Cbr%3E

  • DON’T Use Link Farmers
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    As mentioned, it used to be that the more links you had, the higher web ranking you got. However, recognizing the problem, Google quickly put an end to abusive link farming practices. Subsequently, link farming, as MOZ points out, is the surest way to have your content and website completely removed from search results. Since 93% of web experiences begin with a search engine, according to Imforza, you can see how devastating that would be.

  • DON’T Spam Links
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    Deciding to spam your links, whether it is through text message, email, or social media messaging, is the worst way to syndicate your content for two reasons. First, the FCC has strict anti-spamming laws that, if violated, can result in serious fines for your company. Secondly, spamming your content is in direct violation of the terms of service maintained by most reputable email service providers. If you want to have access to email, then do not abuse it.

There is no doubt that getting your content shared around the web is important for your success. However, you have to realize that there is a huge difference between using the “share this link” feature on StumbleUpon and using it on a well-known link farming page. Keep these five tips in mind to protect yourself and improve your web marketing campaign.