We all know that Google is the leader in the search engine world. There has been a lot of talk lately that Google will be weighing implied links just as greatly, if not more heavily than express links in their searches. So, what is The Difference between Express Links and Implied Links in SEO?
Express Links
Express Links are what we think of when we talk of articles that link other companies, blogs, websites etc.
For instance, if I wanted to share with you that Thinking Outside the Sandbox also runs a family-based site, I would link you to it by writing something like this:
“If you love what we are doing here, please check out our sister site TOTS Family for tips and advice on areas such as family & food”
I have now mentioned someone else and provided a direct link to them. That is an express link.
Implied Links
On the other hand, a new concept of implied links is becoming more important in search engine optimization. This is simply the act of mentioning another company, blog or website without providing a link to it. I could say the exact statement as above, simply without the link:
“If you love what we are doing here, please check out our sister site TOTS Family for tips and advice on areas such as family & food”
So why would anyone want to promote someone or something else without linking it?
We have learned that the act of linking others’ sites or even your own site, has been overused and abused.
It is not as organic as it used to be. Google is a company that is always trying to improve and it makes sense that they understand this.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding this change in Google’s SEO and you can read more about this topic in this Moz article (<—express link)
What are your thoughts on this topic? Are you someone who holds SEO as an important part of your business? Your thought on The Difference between Express Links and Implied Links in SEO and will you change your tactics?
