How important are 'anchor' text links now

[nick-name123]

We have started building some good links but I'm just wandering how important anchor based text ones are now.
I'm not talking about spamming/going too heavy but a few here and there.

What's your recent experience?

[BlueCorona]

Hi,

I have to agree with the previous responses. Anchor text is important because it gives web site visitors (and search engines) a hint about the web page or web site they are about to visit (if they click the link). This is why you DON’T want to use common calls to action like, “click here” or “our website.” Instead, you want to use keyword rich anchor text. But you don't want it to become very spammy sounding—so keep this in mind when creating content.

Anchor text helps search engines understand what the page is about and it also helps establish site architecture. And depending on the anchor text of the link, it might even increase your rankings for certain keywords!

As an example, if you’re having a contest to give away a free website makeover for the HVAC industry, make free HVAC website the anchor text! If thousands of web sites link to your site using the anchor text ‘leading residential furnace installers‘ there’s a good chance that you’re in the residential HVAC business and you install furnaces!

I hope this helped! But if you're looking for more information check out our blog that discusses if you need links to rank on Google.

[GastonRiera]

Hi,

Of course its important. But do not abuse.

My experience, not over the 5-6% of links should have exact anchor text.
Other 5-6% brand anchor text, and so on.

Hope it helps.
GR.

[A_Q]

Hey,

I would say it comes down to natural usage. If the majority of the links to your site have the same keyword focussed anchor text, it would look unnatural and spammy. But a few links containing your target keywords, as a smaller percentage of the overall anchor text being used is fine, and should support your SEO efforts.