Sitewide links

[propertyshark]

Hi there,

We operate about a dozen websites that are part of the same parent company. All these websites are in the same vertical, and link among each other in the footer section. The anchor for each link is the brand name, so we are merely doing it to show what other products the parent company has to offer. My question is: do you think this is still advisable, or it might trigger a penalty? Also, what would you choose between:

1. Sitewide footer links from each site to the other sites.
2. A single footer link on the homepage from each site to the other sites.
3. A presentation page on each website, one click away from the homepage, which presents the company's other websites.

Thanks.

[Daniel_Morgan]

Hi,

Based on the info you've given, I would definitely go for your option 3.

Having links in the footer of the site is never a good idea as it multiplies the number of links by as many pages you have on the site. If you think it makes sense to have a page presenting the other websites then that sounds great and only means one external link to each site; sounds like you could create some nice content on this page too!

Hope that helps

[paints-n-design]

Hi,

I'd like to say, if it makes sense to have link there, I would use that link. Thats allway the first thing I think about when I link externally. In that case, I am not thinking "I need that link" so I would. In that case I dont have problems to chose rel="nofollow".
Special in sitewide footer links I would use nofollow and you should (excepted alternate language sites or something like that). It was John Muller who told Web Design Agencys wich are linking sitewide in footer (with brand name) that they should think about using nofollow (round about april this 2015). Guess thats not really the same thing here, if its the same company.

For the 3 cases - what makes the most sense? Does a link in the footer on the hompage makes sense? Is it better for any human being to have these links sitewide? Makes it more sense to have a single page?
I have different clients with all 3 types, all without penalty (in sitewide links cases, the links are rel="nofollow" and the sites are the same company). I think you can use follow, but why take a risk.

I often cite Cyrus Shepard in that sitewide-footer case and I agree 100% with him, so I cite again: "Don't link externally in the footer. Just don't. I'm not going to go into the reasons. Just don't do that."

https://moz.com/blog/the-rules-of-link-building-whiteboard-friday

[VERBInteractive]

I can't see this triggering a penalty. It will not hold the same weight as a link from a site that doesn't have anything directly to do with your company or a link directly in the content showing context

I would suggest sitewide footer links from each site to the other sites. The footer isn't the main draw of the eye but generally includes company info so if a users is looking for more info they will check there.

1. Sitewide footer links from each site to the other sites.

[ClaytonJ]

It is a difficult question to answer - as one would need intimate knowledge of the business to advise properly. Specifically what is the value proposition and how for each website it is driven online?.

That said given they are all in the same vertical are they also in the same market place?  ie all websites selling to the same country? Are they cross-selling to each other? If they are have you given consideration to a plan to fold the websites into one?  It sounds like resources are spread thin, if managing a dozen websites. What is the original purpose of the dozen websites - is it still current today.

On the question about actual links, it should look natural.  If it is set up and looks like a PBN - which it sort of sounds like I would be making it natural.  Only put links where it assists and facilitates and answer to a customer query. I would primarily be concerned if it could be interpreted as a link swapping/trading exercise. A slightly deeper analysis should give you some resolution.  All that said if it looks natural, and you have not had any penalties to date no action required!