Buying Links SEO Sacrilege or Savvy Move?

More Buying Links SEO
Sacrilege or Savvy Move?

So we were just kicking around the idea of buying links

For me the question really is

What's the Big Deal About Buying Links?

If it's okay to buy a link from Yahoo, or on a page of the online version of a newspaper, or JoeAnt.com (technically you're buying rapid review) then it's okay to buy a link from Joe's web site right?

Well, maybe. Or maybe not.

Since we're dealing with shades of gray here you'll find it depends on who you ask.

For some reason buying a link from Yahoo is clearly in the black. Even though few would look at it in this light.

Taking a step away from that what about buying a link from a related site?

It's hard to argue with this either. You're getting targeted traffic. (Which IS why you're buying links, right?)

Take a step away from that and you're talking about buying any high PR link. Oops. Now you've done it. You've triggered the alarm.

  …Lights are flashing.

    …Sirens are wailing.

      …Guns are drawn.

        …The PR Police are on the case. And have you in their sights.

But why? What's so wrong with this?

I say there's nothing wrong with it. Despite what any Nervous Nellie might claim.

To me, buying links is no different than buying any other kind of advertising. It's a purely commercial transaction. You trade cash for some kind of benefit. Be it PR. Traffic. Or link rep.

Oh and do you consult Google's TOS before placing an ezine ad?

What about a banner ad?

Then why the sweaty palms when buying links?

I personally believe buying links is a trend that will most likely be embraced by more and more webmasters.

For instance someone from a big time site called me the other day. Why? He told me they had the funding (interesting word choice) so they were out to buy as many links as they could to get their latest site on the map quickly. And he wanted to know who I'd recommend.

See what I mean? Ready or not, like it or not, it's coming.

You may find yourself competiting against the likes of this and unless you join in how you going to compete?

I say do it to boost traffic and not just your PR and there should be no problem with it.

Yes, some purists will never accept this. And that's fine. Just don't sneer at me if I buy into it. Because I see buying links is no different than any other forms of online advertising. So get over it.

For more ideas on this topic plus some online resources you might check out this article: How to Jumpstart Inbound Links, PR and Traffic