We’ve been reviewing products on MFS for years, from when we had a baby page rank 0 site to now, when our page rank is 5. Back in the beginning, no one asked for specific anchor text, and we didn’t offer it. We just generally wrote “click here” and linked to the site.
As I started learning more and more about anchor text and SEO, I started to understand the value of it. But, as much as I wanted to help those businesses (especially small businesses) that were coming to us for reviews, I didn’t want to hurt our site. Since we have tons of reviews on our site, all with outgoing links, it was recommended to me via the Google Webmaster forums that I should make sure Google knows these aren’t paid links, by no following and by avoiding anchor text.
That was a few years ago. Since then, we’ve no followed only the links on the home page (the ones on the individual post pages are followed), and have not offered anchor text. Even though it’s clearly written in our editorial policy, I get loads of requests for anchor text weekly. And every time I refuse. Sometimes the companies decide not to send us review products, but most of the time, they still want a review.
Now, with the FCC rules, I feel it’s even more important. If a company tells you which words to use (even just for a link), isn’t that an ad? It’s certainly not fully editorial, right?
I would love to know what others think? If I’m wrong, I’d love to know it! And, if others are granting text ads with reviews, do I have to?
Photo credit: Jen DeCesari
