Blog Question...

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Quick question...I recently wrote an article for my blog. In the article I mentioned (among other things) "Ohio Open Enrollment" and the "Ohio Department of Insurance."

Is there any advantage (or disadvantage?) to placing a link to their site, when someone clicks on these in the blog?

Just curious.

Thanks

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[jdgeddie]

Why not? I guess the worst that can happen is that they leave your blog never to return. But you should be able to set the links so that they open in a new window, rather than on the current one.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Actually, I was referring to the SEO impact...not whether it opens a new window.

 

[somarco]

I use target=blank on all outgoing links.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

What is that?

 

[jdgeddie]

I might be wrong, but you linking to another site without a reciprocal link back isn't helping your SEO efforts. It's helping the site you are linking to.

One thing I'd recommend is creating an account on technorati.com and submitting your blog there. Not that this is going to get you much traffic, but it is a blog directory of sorts which can only help your SEO efforts.
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target=blank just opens a new window when a link is clicked

 

[souldeux]

Good ol' ProBlogger says it better than I can:

Do Outbound Links Matter for SEO (and more)

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

OK. Thanks. I think that answers my question. It seems as if it is OK to do.

I also use a semi-automated social submitter. Helps a little...maybe.

 

[Alston]

A limited number of links to quality websites in your vertical like the department of insurance can actually help you.
Many SEO experts believe that there is actually an SEO penalty for having no outbound links.

However, you should be selective in who you link to and limit the number of links you have.

 

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

So is 1-2 per blog considered OK (assuming they are relevant)?

Thanks.