On the Search Engine Watch Forums, our author Chris Boggs found a very interesting article written by HackerSafe that "brags" about its link juice.
In the article, HackerSafe claims that "the security certification does improve search engine optimization."
The security firm was exhibiting at SES this week and discussed how offering three one-way PR6-PR8 text links from ScanAlert’s Hacker Safe Merchant Directory helped sites such as Vermont Teddy Bear Company and Stacks and Stacks raise organic search placement.
Chris found this very troubling that HackerSafe was essentially bragging to the world about the power that they have. But forum members see that this could be a problem for HackerSafe, since Matt Cutts addressed paid links just a few days ago and asked people to report this activity.
I happen to agree with Chris. He writes:
I am not totally buying this as being the sole or even a major reason for the success of the site...
Having worked in web development and on e-commerce sites in the past, I do understand the mentality that buyers feel much more comfortable buying from sites that have a familiar SSL certificate logo (e.g. GeoTrust, Verisign) on the site. This itself boosts confidence of buyers. Was it the fact that HackerSafe is involved in a link building effort? I wouldn't think so in the least. The credit they are taking is not likely due to a link-building effort.
Let Chris and other Search Engine Watch readers know what you think by joining in the discussion.
Postscript Barry: As per Dan's comment we learned that HackerSafe is actively and publicly promoting, "Boosts Google rank with over 100 Million cross-links."
Here is a screen shot:
Pretty impressive.
