I’ve had a lot of link requests from other bloggers and businesses lately. That makes me think it’s time to put some serious thought into re-designing my links – and putting into place some sort of policy about who I link to. Essentially, I don’t want WanderingJustin.com to become a wilderness of linkage. I want each link to truly be important and trustworthy.
Here’s the thing: I have a few online friends who automatically get links. They’ve contributed technical assistance to the blog, along with immoral support. They are a shoe-in to survive the Great Wandering Justin Link Purge.
There are some sites that I use as resources, and that I recommend highly to others. Those, also, will stay. There are some that I read for fun. Not many, but a few. I think there are few enough that they can stay.
Now comes the hard part: Links that promote businesses or service. This is a thorny situation because I genuinely believe in some businesses and services, like those seen in what’s currently my Tour Operators page. Those are hugely valuable.
Most of the organizations that have approached me … well, I haven’t used any of them. I’ve done a little due diligence, and most seem to have some value and be on the up-and-up. But if I offered a link to each, you can see how WanderingJustin.com could become the link farm I fear. My thought is to have a page devoted to these sorts of businesses. Maybe offer some space and a small graphic for a small fee. After all, a link is advertising. If I’m going to advertise for someone, this site should see some benefit (and a lot of the businesses contacting me are fairly new, and probably have a smaller reach than WanderingJustin.com does).
What do you bloggers out there do? What are your policies, guidelines or ideas?
Hi Justin,
I think it is a matter of preference as well as certainly some politics that come into play. I made a strict decision when I started my blog that i wouldn’t link to any companies or promotions of any kind. I’m very happy to recommend goods and/or services in my blog if it is appropriate but having a constant link on my page makes me part of the marketing machine – and really, what does it do for me or my site except clutter it up? I do link to other peoples sites (blogroll is undergoing a bit of a service atm) who I find valuable, good reads for people who read my site also.
I see blogging as about a community of writers, working together to share work, adventure and stories from around the world.
The advertisers and companies is all politics, and its certainly my method to steer clear of it all together unless its a contractual thing, and you’ll see I only have one of those.
Hope this helps in any way.
Cheers
Barefoot.
Barefoot, you pretty well articulate my thoughts. There’s a bit of a “however” with me, though. I don’t mind being part of the marketing machine of products and services that resonate with me in a genuine way. The businesses in the Tour Operators page are a perfect example. Thanks for sharing your thoughts – I think you understand what I’m circulating in my gray matter. I’ll be sure to check your blog out – both for content and to see what sort of links get some traction with you. Have a great weekend!