So far we've talked about different types of links, and the different vocabulary when referring to a link to your website vs. a link to someone else's website. And we talked about Reciprocal Linking, Link Bait and Authority Websites and how they all relate. We've covered a lot of ground in this lesson and there's still a lot more to go.
Let's think about Authority Websites again. An authority site is one which has shown a proficiency in a particular topic, and Google has rewarded this proficiency with a double listing in search results, the second which is indented.
Link Popularity is a measurement the search engines use when rating your website. Google will look at all your inbound links to see if any of them are from Authority sites.
Here's a little hint at search engine optimization. Google will believe the words from someone else before they believe what you are saying.
If enough Authority sites are linking to you, Google will automatically assume you must be an Authority on your topic, and you won't have to write 50 or more pages of content.
Here's an example to better illustrate.
You own a jewelry store, your best friend John owns the pizzeria next door, and his wife Nancy works for the town newspaper. You could ask John to link his pizza website to your jewelry website, but odds are that his website is not an authority on anything. However, no matter where you are in the world, the local newspaper website is always an authority on something. In fact they are an authority on local news! Instead of asking John, you want to ask Nancy if she can put you in touch with the newspaper's webmaster.
It only takes a few links from popular authority websites to propel you into Authority status. So start looking for people or websites who are experts in their field and trade with them. You want to use their popularity to create some of your own, just don't tell them that.
