Best Way to Replace Lost Links

[AaronHenry]

We found a particular client that was using a 3rd party backlinker to build links (they were outsourced).  The backlinks appeared to be low quality, just basic text and no substantial content surrounding it, usually like a forum profile.  The backlinker was swapped out.

However, we've been suffering from a big loss of links.  We anticipated that quite a few of the links the previous crew were managing would be lost, however, we've lost over 1500.  Some of that is due to the former SEO company using sitesays.com as part of their strategy.

That site has since removed all listings/links because they were hit by recent algorithm changes.  Every week GWT has fewer and fewer links coming from that site.  We expect this to continue until GWT has removed all links from that site.  We are also losing ground (quickly) on local rankings too.  We believe this is due to the high number of links lost.

What is best practice when building links to counter this issue?  Is there anything that can be done to stem the link purge and, if possible, gain ground on rankings again?

[AaronHenry]

That #RCS talk was awesome!  Thanks a bunch for that recommendation.  We've really worked hard on this with the client and they are fully on board with RCS - the CEO built the company on it.  Very interestingly, I had not considered the brand consolidation strategy (asking for a link back from lifted website content).  We are definitely excited about using that as a new outlet for link building, allowing others to do the work for us organically.

[Dubs]

I have to agree with @CleverPhD.  The lower quality links will do more harm than good for your site in light of new algro updates.  Instead of trying to build a rapid 1300 links, look to build fewer but HIGH QUALITY links back to your site.  Personally, I see that social networks seem to be carrying a lot of weight so perhaps creation of a graphic and sharing it across your social media networks will provide more worth.

[CleverPhD]

One thing you need to consider is not just the quantity of the links you lost but the quality.  If you are losing thousands of links with a PA of 1 and DA of 0, well then good riddance!  They were not helping you to start with and if anything they were hurting you.

So, I would not think, "Well, we lost 1345 links and so we need 1345 links back".  I would say, how can we help the client to do some #RCS to earn some quality links.

http://moz.com/blog/an-interview-with-wil-reynolds

Watch the talk by Wil Reynolds about 1/4 the way down.

Good luck!