Reciprocal linking has opened up a world of opportunities that online marketers can take advantage of. Try to mention reciprocal linking and you will be bombarded with interested persons who cannot wait to make the most of what this strategy has to offer.

Although there are already a lot of debates related with reciprocal linking, the positive results it brings overshadows those negative things some people are saying about it. Bottom line is, the decision would have to be made by you. If you think reciprocal linking would do your business good, then there is no stopping you from reaping some of its benefits.

Some of the reasons why you need reciprocal linking are:

1. It helps you build link popularity.

Websites with a lot of links are deemed as important. Your site has a better chance of ranking high in the search engines if you have a lot of links coming to your site.

The thing to remember is to opt for relevant sites which will complement yours. The more they are related to your and your business, the more they will help you get not only the ranking but the credibility you deserve.

2. It helps you attain good online relationship.

In the online word, no website is an island too. Every website exists to complement and be of service to other websites. You need to build up a partnership with other websites so you will have the boost that your website needs and vice versa.

Who knows? A simple partnership for now may turn out to become something big later on. Keep in mind that there are always bigger possibilities to come. And you probably will not get them without help from other online businesses.

3. It can get you more traffic.

The main purpose of reciprocal linking is to get more traffic into your website. Think of it this way: If you are linking with a website that gets loads of traffic, there is that big chance that some of them will be diverted to your site. In the same way, linking with a website that has a low traffic will not make much difference to the traffic you are already receiving.

Some websites only allow reciprocal linking for other websites that has the same or one level lower page rank that they are. This is a way to make sure that you will get the result you wanted so your efforts will pay off.

But like any other Internet marketing strategy, reciprocal linking also has its share of pitfalls. Oftentimes, website owners fall into some of these pitfalls. It is later on that they pay the price of their mistakes.

So you will not make the same mistakes that other people made, here are some of the most common pitfalls that are associated with reciprocal linking:

1. Exchanging links with just about anyone.

Ok, so you are getting a lot of requests of link exchange. Makes you feel important in the process. But then, what good it will bring you if the website asking for that is not in any way related to what your business is about.

For example, if you are an outsourcing website, exchanging links with one that deals with fashion will definitely not work at all. The thing to remember is to check out what the website is all about first and see if it will be relevant to your business.

Taking the time to check and do your research will not only save you a lot of headaches, it will also be your assurance that you are the quality links your site needs.

2. Linking with sites that already have a large number link directory.

Have you ever checked what page your site was listed on when you agreed to link with other websites? If you are placed in page 50 or so, visitors will not really have the patience to browse up to that part. Bottom line? The exposure you need will not happen.

Opt for link partners that will put you on their first or second page at most. That means customers can see you right away without any trouble at all.

Reciprocal linking is a surefire way of getting the relevant links that your website needs. You only have to know how to make it work to your advantage and avoid what is necessary.