Context Linking - Is It Important?

Context Linking-Is It Important?

You may have on occasion heard the world "context linking", however, you may not know what it is, or how it can benefit you, or the mechanics of developing a link. Many people think that they can put links of other companies on a web page and consider it context linking. In fact, I would call it a directory, not context linking. The important factor with context linking is "content" that is relevant to your link. With that being said....

Check out the article Why Context Linking is Important  to learn what context linking is, how it can benefit you, and the mechanics of the contextual link. You may not think it is important, but sometimes simply overlooked items on a web page can make a big difference in your ranking or whether your web page will be indexed.

Why Context Linking Is Important

 

Is context linking important? If you want to improve your page ranking, yes. I will give you an idea of what contextual linking is, its benefits, and how to construct a proper contextual link.


What is A Contextual Link?

Before I give you a definition of a contextual link, let me explain to you what it is not.

Many people believe a contextual link, is a series of links on a page that will automatically draw the search engines. Granted, that is a true, if you are constructing a directory. Nevertheless, if this is not your intent, you may find that the search engines will give your content page little to no interest.

A contextual link is used to connect content from one site to another, with the purpose of indicating to the search engines that the link and the web page that it is connects to, is relevant to the current site. In addition, the link should be embedded directly into the flow of your content, with the choice of keywords or terms that you would anticipate users would be interesting in clicking on to get additional information.




How to Construct a Text Link

Many people believe just adding numerous links to a page will help to increase your ranking. It will not. Why? Because there is no content on these type of pages that will make the search engines happy.

Let me ask you; are you more apt to click on a link that is embedded in content that is relevant to what you are searching, or a bunch of links on a page? I don't know about you, but I would go with the embedded link.

• A text link within content should consist of a few anchor words with a link connecting another Website.
  
• Number of links - you have to pay attention to readability. Yes, contextual links are for SEO purposes, but if you have too many links within a web page, it can be overwhelming to the visitor. Remember, you need to write first for the reader and second for the search engines. This will not only improve your ranking, but also give you the targeted traffic that you want.
  
• A contextual link must be relevant to the page. For example, the keyword phrase "SEO Basics" should link to a page that includes information about beginning SEO. If it doesn't, the search engines are not going to give it much notice.
  

Mechanics of the Link

• HTML is easy for search engines to understand.
• Java script- if you want your content indexed, then java script should not be used. 
• Dynamic links- dynamic links are still a problem for search engines. Why? Sometimes spiders cannot get through difficult dynamic links, and will choose instead, not to venture on the page or link. This can be a problem to your whole website. If the spider does not like what it is reading, it will back out of the web page, and, possible not continue to index any additional pages you have on your site.

Keywords and Contextual Linking

As I alluded to in the beginning, relevant keywords are important, and it is important that you match the keywords to the article you are linking to, to see any increase in ranking. How do you do it?

1. Keywords or keyword phrases should identify the website that you are linking too.
2. Keywords or keyword phrases should also be relevant to the content of your web page. For example, if you are writing about contextual linking, you do not want to embed a link about car parts in the content. Obviously, this example is a little extreme, but I hope you understanding what I am eluding too. It the link is not relevant to the content, it is not going to be relevant to the search engines. Moreover, do not expect any readers to find you, because that web page may not be indexed.

SEO and traffic really go together. Many ask, “Is contextual linking just for SEO purposes"? Some people say yes, while other people say no. In my opinion, it offers both. If the links you put on your article is relevant to the page, and the search engines deem it so, you will get improved ranking and be indexed. Moreover, your final reward by the search engines may be traffic to your website.

 As you can see, contextual linking is important. If done correctly, it will give quality content to your users. Moreover, the search engines will reward your website and web page with a long life if the content you are writing about is what people want to view.