Automatic hardlink trading, penalties?
 

Does a hardlink obtained via some sort of automated process (linkex, linkorganizer etc.) weigh as much as one obtained "manually", all other things being equal? Appreciate any feedback you can provide, thanks.

Not sure anyone knows this for sure but, my best guess is it doesn't make much a difference. What makes a difference IMO, is whether the script is moderated or just added to the site and never looked at again.

I generally try to do hardlink trades with people who don't use scripts, especially linkex because most people who use linkex don't take care of it and get all kinds of junk links on their site.

I personally don't use any trading scripts on my sites. Everything done by hand. Feel free to contact me about link trades.

The issue isn't so much that the act of automatic linking is gonna be a penalty but the type of users or websites that automatic linking scripts attract won't always be "quality sites". So you can end up with links coming from a site that literally, links up anything. Which will get you nowhere fast.

Building links is a pretty simple concept, and also one of the most important for any type of seo campaign, but this is one you want to have a hand in.

Something else to consider is that most automated scripts (or services) often get installed and used as is, so if at anytime in the future google decides that this script is a common denominator in spam sites, they are easily targeted and identified, and its too late to hide it if you've been using it for years.

It boils down too, its too important to just leave it to any type of automation.

I was actually considering this exact scenario prior to posting this thread. Thanks for helping me make up my mind about it. :)

I have lo installed since ages and have'nt been penalized at all.

Something tells me if they aren't doing it now they soon will be ...

YET

Right, kind of my thinking as well, it's likely not worth the risk.