When to Request a Link

Linking is critical. This is how popularity is evaluated by search engines. This is also how search engines identify sites that are "gaming" them.

Here are the critical factors to consider when making a request for link decision:

♦ Is the site indexed
♦ Is the page indexed
♦ Does the page have backlinks from other sites
♦ Are the links on the page relevant to my site
♦ Is the subject matter of the page relevant to my site
♦ Is a reciprocal link required
♦ Do you believe the site is a quality site

I would take a link on an authority site even if it didn't pass the topical test. Reciprocal links should always pass the topical test.