Link popularity is in the limelight when it comes to Search Engine Optimization. The more popular a page is (in terms of link), the more it will generate traffic and better sales. Oftentimes, link popularity is thought of as the actual page rank itself. But these two are different things.

Link Popularity Defined

To better understand link popularity, let us get into its definition. Link Popularity refers to a particular site’s popularity in terms of other relevant sites linking to it. For instance, Site A is popular when Site B and the rest link to it. Search engines interpret a site with many links as an important site; therefore it increases its ranking. But the inbound links must be from relevant sites as well, that is why webmasters link to good sites and not on the bad ones.

Link Popularity v PageRank

Though oftentimes Link popularity and PageRank are used to mean the other, they are two different things. PageRank is a subset of link popularity. It directs its focus on the quantity and value of the links, whereby link popularity focuses on the quality. They should not be used interchangeably as they represent two different aspects.

Link popularity has a value in the ranking algorithms of search engines. To be able to gain this popularity, sites must have good links. There are two types of links that help enhance a site’s link popularity. First are the inbound links that carry on the same keyword phrases as the site itself and second are the links from directories. Link farms won’t do any good to a site, so avoid them at all cost.

The Need for Link Popularity

Link popularity has a considerable weight in the ranking algorithms of search engines. Google, for instance, puts a higher weight on inbound links. There are many aspects that comprise the increase of ranking through links. One of them is the anchor text. Effective anchor texts can go a long way towards link popularity. A site that aims for link popularity must strive to look for relevant sites that are related to it and request for a link. Remember that a link to other sites can bring more traffic to your site – better than what the search engines can do.

Link Popularity at Work

Search engines look for relevant links that are closely related to a particular site. For instance, a link from a travel directory to a travel site has great more value than a link from an online shopping store to a travel site. The key to link popularity is having a common thread between the two sites (the site that receives the link and the one giving the link).

To ensure link popularity, you must first have the best site in your field of product or service. This is the most effective way to attract other sites to link to a certain page on your own site.