Discovery

It seems I am getting free advertising that I didn't know I was receiving (Free is sometimes a good thing). I didn't even know this site existed.

http://www.premierbridenc.com/listings.php?category=25

It has a picture from my website and a link. How many times has this happened to you? I'm curious how a site like this can exist if I didn't give them permission to link to my site?

I guess I need to make a call or two.

Generally the internet is a free for all. Most webmasters will copy/link to anything until they're specifically asked not to. Then you have the scrapers that copy all your content without your permission and won't take it down when you ask.

My guess is this websites is trying to drum up advertising dollars by producing results first. Look at your mailto link

mailto:kick_it@bellsouth.net?subject=Inquiry from Premier Bride

It will automatically insert their site name in the subject line, hoping you will come to the site and buy advertising.

Generally the internet is a free for all. Most webmasters will copy/link to anything until they're specifically asked not to. Then you have the scrapers that copy all your content without your permission and won't take it down when you ask.

My guess is this websites is trying to drum up advertising dollars by producing results first. Look at your mailto link

mailto:kick_it@bellsouth.net?subject=Inquiry from Premier Bride

It will automatically insert their site name in the subject line, hoping you will come to the site and buy advertising.

The thing is Dan - I found this site by accident. They didn't contact me. I just got curious (and bored) so decided to plug my companies name into the search browser window to see what would happen.

I came up with many wedding related sites that had my company link on it and a picture from my website.

I'll list the links here so you can see for yourself:

http://winstonsalem.citysearch.com/profile/6102097/?brand=smx_yp-nc

http://www.yellowpages.com/info-LMS61321742/A-Kickit-Productions-DJ-Services?from=qpibp&qcat=Disc+Jockeys&qs=NC&qc=Winston+Salem&qcid=226660744

http://www.wedj.com/wedjcom.nsf/moreInfo?open&dj=45B696087C1FCA0E8625726F0034D252

http://www.discjockeys.com/main_reciprocal.php?part=I-L

http://www.ncbridalguide.com/north_carolina_djs.php
http://www.switchboard.com/swbd.main/dir/results.htm?MEM=46&KW=Musicians+Bands+%26+Disc+Jockeys&LO=City+of+Kernersville%2C+NC

I don't see the problem if it's free and generating, or possibly generating business.....

The issue is that these sites will bump you down in the search ratings. Yes, a potential client will be clicking on your information on that site when they go through the search engine, but they then also have the option of looking at everybody else listed on that site.

The issue is that these sites will bump you down in the search ratings.

That is an urban legend, that the major SEO's would like you to embrace.

It seems to be true, usually the first page of search results are all from wedj.com or other similar sites. Actually DJ sites come up on page two. Those sites naturally do better because of their built in reciprocal links.

It seems to be true, usually the first page of search results are all from wedj.com or other similar sites.

That's because they have a more relevant site, better meta tags, and much more text that is relevant to the search being conducted (plus a whole lotta links to them).

There is no big secret to getting your websites to the top. I have hundreds. The secret is patience.

It takes a few months (sometimes longer), to run a website to the top and KEEP it there.

Most people want it yesterday! SEO's can bring you up, but they can't keep you there (even I think that line was funny) :)

Links from even the craziest sites, will not hurt you rankings -- only you can do that by having a poorly designed site (search engine wise).