A few days (or months) back, buying links was all search engine optimization was about. However, now Google has added a new dimension to search engine optimization by claiming to take care of all sites that are involved in buying and selling links aimed at boosting pagerank and positions in organics. In fact, there is a form available at Google using which sites involved in selling / buying links can be reported. It seems Google has already done something to sites that are openly in involved in text link brokerage. Many of these sites are appearing deep inside the pages even for their business names. Even directories seem to have taken the punch. Whether this is really intentional or a form of Google dance-nobody knows for sure.

This move can mean many things to many people. Webmasters who run directories to make money can see dramatically reduced incomes from their directories. Similarly, other site owners who use text link ad services to monetize their sites may also see lower link sales.

However, there is a plus side as well. It is no longer possible to boost your search engine positions just by buying links. This means webmasters with lower investments can also succeed in the search engine positions. It is time since search engine optimizers turned their attention towards good content from ways to gain backlinks. This can mean a better Internet experience for the rest of us. With MFA (made for adsense) sites almost gone, it is also time for MFSL (made for selling links) to go as well.

Related Reading:

Advanced Web Metrics with Google Analytics, 2nd Edition