Offered payment for link

**NearlyHomeTime** · 13-10-09

Can anyone clarify the position on paid links please?

I've been offered payment for a 'natural' link from my website. Before I ask for ideas about payments and get tempted, can anyone clarify the current position with Google?

I don't really have a problem doing it as it actually could be beneficial to our users, but I don't want to risk any penalties. Or are the penalties going to be for the person paying rather than the payee?

**shakir** · 13-10-09

Google do not link link trading, and Google some time degrading the site which have too much outbound links..

**Brendon** · 13-10-09

If Google (or any other SE for that matter) thinks you placed a link for money (or other adducement) they will take action, not necessarily a ban ("does not pass PR" penalty is common too). If they think you bought them, they will ban your raggedy ass. Googles word is final. No appeal will be heard.

That said, if you think the link is one you could defend to Matt Cutts face, or to your competitors, go ahead. And if you're getting paid, take the money and laugh

**NearlyHomeTime** · 14-10-09

Well, the fee was so ridiculously low as to make it an easy decision to decline.

What is the going rate, out of interest? Site currently has PR1 (probably be 2 at next update tho).

**thebusiness** · 14-10-09

Originally Posted by serviendo

Well, the fee was so ridiculously low as to make it an easy decision to decline.

What is the going rate, out of interest? Site currently has PR1 (probably be 2 at next update tho).

£50 is about normal - which, unless you can instantly sell 1,000 links, is a bit pointless really?

I just ignore them although I did go through a phase of asking for $10,000 - which didn't get many replies