What is Reciprocal Link?
Reciprocal links represent a mutual hyperlink exchange between two sites, each linking to the other. Once appreciated for their quick-link-building potential, reciprocal links have lost value in comparison to one-way inbound links, which are often ignored when used excessively and lack relevance. Nonetheless, selective use between contextually relevant associates still attracts referral traffic, aids navigational enhancement, and adds value. Earning organic backlinks is preferable in modern SEO approaches, whereby automated swaps are avoided and reciprocal linking is reserved for genuine partnerships.
Examples of reciprocal links include a partner blog that links to your website, and you link back; two businesses of different but complementary nature exchanging resource links; and membership directories that link with sites that reciprocally link back.
Related terms: link exchange, two-way link, inbound link, link scheme.