A Clever Link Builder

If you own a website, it is almost certain that you have received a request to swap links, or add a link to someone else’s site.  Generally, the link request will come from the site owner, their SEO, or a pure link building company. If you haven’t already, you will ignore most requests. Occasionally, there will be a request that comes across that makes you think it would be a good resource for your visitors. I received one today. If I hadn’t recognized the name of the site they were generating links for, I might not have looked any further.

Some of the request will open your eyes to creative techniques that you can use to benefit your own site(s).  I wouldn’t recommend an outright lie like the offender below, but clever use of domains can help.

The sender claimed to be an assistant at a library and was finding resources for an “educational series”. The “local library” is either brand

The real Rhode Island Library System is located at oslri.org: http://www.oslri.org/libsites.html

The supposed Rhode Island Site resolves to a hosting company:

Fake Rhode Island Library
Fake Rhode Island Library

A couple other signs that will tell the story

  • The site was registered May 18, 2009
    I would think that the R.I. lilbrary system probably had their act together prior to then.
  • The domain registration is private
    Probably not something that a public entity would do.  In fact, the real Rhode Island library system has their registration information available:

    Rhode Island Library
    Rhode Island Library

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Subject I wanted to suggest a resource for your page.
hide details 4:35 PM (2 hours ago)
Hi!

My name is Helen Carter, I am an assistant at a local library, I am responsible for finding resources for our educational series. This week we will be discussing mold and the dangers it may pose. While searching for articles I found your page (http://www.wnyhandyman.com/mold-removal.php) which was very helpful. Thanks so much 🙂

I noticed you missed a great page on mold: http://www.gardenbuildingsdirect.co.uk/Article/the-fungus-among-us. It looks like a fairly good resource, which includes a lot of supplemental resources. I really like this page because it is a simple read, and doesn’t use a lot of technical terms like the medical journals do. I certainly plan on using it in my discussion

Have a wonderful day 🙂

-Helen

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No thank you, Helen!