2 Self-Serving Active Links
We’re considering a change in one of our longest standing policies in terms of active self-serving links… and we’d like to get your feedback about it.
Currently: (See Editorial Guidelines section 2.f.) Your articles can contain up to (3) self-serving active links, and (3) non-self-serving links.
Proposed: Your articles can contain up to (2) self-serving active links and up to (2) non-self-serving active links.
Here’s are our research and current thinking why this must change:
- Our ideal EzineArticles authors already only use (1) or (2) active self-serving links, so they will not be negatively impacted.
- Members who write thin-content purely for the active link love will be negatively impacted…something that may ultimately be positive for our users & current/future members.
- User feedback emails confirm that they think articles with (3) self-serving links looks “spammy”.
- We want to continue to attract high profile expert authors and many of the highest profile of expert authors tell us they want to be seen in similar company. High profile expert authors almost NEVER include (3) self-serving links.
- We are certain that articles with (1) or (2) active self-serving links will lead to increased syndication and use by ezine publishers vs. the (3) active self-serving link article. Think about this from the Publishers perspective.
- Very high profile publishers do not take (3) active self-serving link articles seriously.
- The collective credibility and perception of our site and our members will climb when the maximum active self-serving link limit is (2). More market trust = more market credibility and higher quality visitors referred to your website.
- This is the natural evolution of our quality focus. Newbie competitor websites with no market credibility would have to offer lots of active self-serving links to make up for having a very low audience profile. Our high-traffic audience profile is the result of years of raising standards frequently. This is just another one of those standards that the time has come to raise.
- It’s important to differentiate EzineArticles from spammy looking websites (you know exactly who and the type of sites I’m referring to).
Your thoughts?
I think it’s a good idea and will lend more credibility to our articles and to the site overall.
It’s good to know you’re thinking about constant refinements to the site.
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