Today’s post is another answer to a question–this time from Nathan Schubert, who wants to know what you should do with old links from directories and websites that still drive traffic if you’ve changed the content on your website.
OK. First off, you never want to have links to your site removed, even if it’s from a really bad website. Truth be told, there are some things you need to watch out for, but (generally speaking) it’s really pretty hard for someone to screw you up by linking to you (I said hard–but not impossible). Assuming that’s not the case and you are getting a bunch of off-topic traffic, there are better ways to deal with it.
- You can use htaccess to redirect based on referring domain.
- You can set up a 301 redirect for old pages that don’t exist.
If it’s getting a significant amount of traffic, set up a landing page to tell visitors that the content they are looking for no longer exists and that you’ve changed the focus of the site. Be polite, matter of fact, and straight to the point. Don’t be indignant or present a message that suggests people are a “bother” to you. I’d also set up 5 or 6 links to your most popular content or key pages. Encourage visitors to look around if they want. If you do redirect via 301, those links can also act as entry points for search engine spiders. Don’t let those links go to a 404 page; doing so just flushes the link equity down the toilet.
Related posts:
- Are You Chasing Off Topic Traffic When your blog or website becomes successful and starts to...
- Building Links & Driving Traffic with How To Posts When you are looking to build links and drive traffic,...
- Traffic Down From Panda Update – Diversify Your Traffic Sources Recently Google had an update and some webmasters were significantly...
- Off Topic Advertising If you are involved in selling text links or “know...
- Graywolf’s SEO Blog Sponsor V7N Directory I’d like to announce the V7n Directory as a sponsor....
Advertisers:
- Text Link Ads - New customers can get $100 in free text links.
- BOTW.org - Get a premier listing in the internet's oldest directory.
- Ezilon.com Regional Directory - Check to see if your website is listed!
- Need an SEO Audit for your website, look at my SEO Consulting Services
- Directory Journal - Get permanent deep links in a search engine friendly directory
- TigerTech - Great Web Hosting service at a great price.
- Article-Writing-services.org - Article Writing Services creates quality content for websites and blogs at no cost to site owners.
- Link Building Services - Hire WeBuildLink.com for well-planned advanced link building campaigns. Very affordable. Contact us now for a FREE evaluation.
- Try HOTH Plus+ NOW - The First 1-Stop Link Building Solution Powered by 100% College Educated Copywriters!
- Professional website designs - Get a unique brand image with website designs that sets you apart and convert your visitors into customers. Make a brand, not just a website
See my disclaimer about advertising and affiliate links
