Backlinking question

[KathleenDC]

Hello everyone!

I currently work for a software company that sell's CRM software for product sellers and one of our options along with this service is a website builder option that can provide the client with a website with several different templates to choose from.

Currently, we have over 500 clients using these website templates and I noticed that they are all under the same IP address.

My question is, in terms of a backlinking effort, would it be beneficial if we included a link to our company's website on the footer on each of these templates? Example could be: Powered by: (company's name) and have the name a link to our site.

I'm worried that this could be seen negatively by Google if we dofollowed these links or the fact that they are all under the same IP.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks

[PatrickDelehanty]

Hi there

I would be extremely careful here, according to Google this would be considered a link scheme. One of the examples are as follows:

• Widely distributed links in the footers or templates of various sites

While I understand your intentions are good, this is an old link tactic that Google and other search engines caught on to awhile back. I would recommend against it and instead focusing on brand building via content, SEO, and other opportunities.

Let me know if this helps or doesn't make sense. Good luck!
Patrick

[GastonRiera]

Hi Paul,

There should be no problem unless you try to manipulate SERPs with that links. As you suggested just set as anchor your brand.

In my case, I'd mark them as NoFollow, just to do not risk anything.

Regarding all being in the same IP, you should not worry much. But remember only for branding.

Best Luck.
GR.