Thanks for your insight, Andy. Links are getting harder to come by these days :(

Some solid recommendations Andy...

as with all guidelines like the above, there are exceptions to the rule (i.e. we have "acquired" links in Footers and sidebars which generate significant traffic and ROI).

so my recommendation to readers is it's all about testing (isn't everything in marketing)...this is definitely a strong basis for initial link buying practices...but evaluate each link opportunity on its own merits.

Personally I would also stay away from companies that you pay and they find sites to put your links on.  I cant imagine gooogle doesnt know who they have partnered with.

Personally I think buying links is a bad idea, only buy in content links. Sometimes buying a review costs the same as a sidebar link the only difference is the review stays permanently. Reviews always make a better impression and you're getting your moneys worth. 

 

One more item for Andy's list.  I can't claim credit for it.   If Graywolf didn't say it (and it sounds like him) he should have.

When buying links or paying for content pages that link to your site, shut up about it.

Yep - there's no room for bragging about that great paid link you have.

"Check that the page ranks well for its targeted keywords. If it doesn't rank well for its own keywords, it will likely not help you."

To go into further detail here. The title tag is a good place to start. Grab a phrase out of it, maybe like 3 words. Then plop it into google. Depending how competitive that phrase is they should rank near the top, if the page is worth your while.