Web 2.0 Link Building

Selected answers from the Dumb SEO Questions Facebook & G+ community.

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  Moeez Bin Hamid: So, I started link building - created some links through web 2.0 properties. I have been reading stuff online, they are good to start. I have done some guest posting as well. ;
  I came across tumblr dot com.. You can only post the url - that is a do-follow link. Question is if it's a dofollow link, then why are they not listed in "links to your website" section of google webmaster? ;
  
  Are you guys creating links through web 2.0 properties, if yes - how is it going? What other methods will you suggest for link building?
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  Blade S: Personally, I don't consider this technique (web 2.0) as a quality one, at least not these days when you basically have to earn links, which can be mission impossible sometimes, I know.
  
  I don't think you'll receive much of a boost with this technique, or any at all, since Google got smarter and treats such links as pure link building.
  
  If I were you, I'd spend my time doing some outreach, sending mails to other niche sites, bounding with other bloggers, etc. In that way, you can get some good links. It's still link building, but in a more organic way, which won't look manipulative in Google's "eyes".
  
  Also, if you guest post on blogs that have footprints like: "guest posting", "guest blogging", "this is a guest post by...", "about the author", it won't work so great, or at all, because Google can recognize those footprints and won't send so much link juice, if it sends any. Don't get me wrong, guest posting is not dead if done right, but few people do it right, and few webmasters accept the right way to do it. ;
  
  Guest posting is still good for getting traffic and authority, though.
  
  The backlinks may take a while until they appear under "Links to your site" in GWT. Also, keep in mind that it's very likely that not all backlinks will appear there, that's why you need to use 2-3 different tools when performing a backlinks audit.
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  Moeez Bin Hamid: +Blade S ;Thank you for the reply - True, I agree with most of the part. But I believe web 2.0 links still work, if done the right way. Yes, they won't get you the top rankings quickly like the PBN's (private blog networks) or guest posts - you can use them to diversify your link portfolio. You need tier 2 links with web 2.0 links. ;
  
  For the backlinks to be indexed I use a premium indexing service. I get 70-90% links indexed. But yes there are some low quality links, which never gets indexed.
  
  Here's what my secret recipe:
  None of the anchor text should go above 10% - 20% at max. Try using synonyms for the money making keywords.
  Use a mix of brand, money making keywords, generic, nude links. For money making keywords, use the good websites, which had good PA - DA - TF - CF. For supporting links we can use web 2.0.
  Use social signals now and then. ;
  
  If guest posting is white hat, then paid posting should be white hat too. And paid links should be white hat too. To me it is all about relevancy, and making things look natural. ;
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  Blade S: Careful with private blog networks too - http://searchenginewatch.com/sew/how-to/2374165/the-private-blog-network-purge-are-you-at-risk
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  Moeez Bin Hamid: What if the pbn get new content everytime one orders a link, just like in guest posting. Google can't really differentiate between PBN's and real websites, if both are getting new links and new content. Google will flag your real website as PBN if you are not creating new backlinks and your website is not having new content. So yes this is confusing. ;
  The best way I believe is to diversify your link portfolio. ;
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  Moeez Bin Hamid: +Blade S ;What's your take on .info domains? Are they harder to rank, or is that just a myth?
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  Blade S: Well, since they are cheap, therefore used for spam mostly, I do believe Google looks at them with a doubtful eye. Google says they treat all TLDs the same, but I have my doubts...
  
  Honestly, ; if I see a .info domain, I think it's spam or scam related (although I shouldn't) before I check it out...
  
  90% of .info are spam sites, I believe... Never found a legit one til now...