Google's New Link Schemes: Widely Distributed Footer Links

Oct 9, 2012 - 8:38 am 25 by

feetAs you know, Google updated their webmaster guidelines and I highlighted a few of the changes a week or two ago.

One change I want to bring out is mentioned in the revised link schemes document that specifically calls out footer links. It reads:

Widely distributed links in the footers of various sites

A WebmasterWorld thread is trying to understand what is "widely distributed." What crosses the line?

I mean, take a look at IAC's footer and then go to the footers of some of those properties, such as CitySearch or ShoeBuy or UrbanSpoon or others - you will see partner links in the footer. Is that okay?

I know many sites that like to link to all their properties in their footer.

So what crosses the line?

WebmasterWorld administrator, incrediBILL, said, "I think branded links are perfectly valid because the quantity of people using that brand is a clear signal of popularity."

Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.

Note: This story was scheduled to be posted on this day, but was written earlier.

Image credit to BigStockPhoto

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Google Search Volatility

More Details

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Has First Generative AI Reporting Bug On June 24

Jun 30, 2026 - 3:55 pm
Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: June 30, 2026

Jun 30, 2026 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google: Meta Descriptions Not Required But They Are Useful

Jun 30, 2026 - 7:51 am
Google Ads

Google Ads / Merchant Center Customer Match Uploaded Via Merchant API

Jun 30, 2026 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Bing Search Source Favicons Tests Overlay Vs Anchors

Jun 30, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google Ads

Google Ads Tests Open In New Window Icon

Jun 30, 2026 - 7:21 am