Which Do You Prefer, Contextual Links Or...

[espmartin]

We all know that a link contextually embedded will hold much more weight
with SEs than a link found in the navigation area. Why? Because the SE's
will see your link within content as relevant to a searchers quiery because
the supporting text around it matches the "context" of what the original
quiry was.

So as an advertiser, would you rather purchase a text link within real
content, or sitewide on a navigation bar?

And please, let's not turn this into a "paid links are Google-Evil" discussion,
as I am simply tired of fearing what Google will think of why or how I
deside on linking out of my own websites

[SkinnerW]

There are two sides of the coin on this one Martin.

If my goal is to get as many traffic as I can and I am advertising on the high traffic website - I want banner or text link on very visible spot, even if it's "no-followed".

If I am trying to gain some SERP's points than "do-follow" content link will have more value.

[espmartin]

So your marketing aim is different for bringing in traffic and bringing in higher SERPs.
Good points!

[temi]

When link building, i prefer contextual link, it looks more natural to search engines than other types of links

[espmartin]

And Temi, anytime you'd more contextuals, let me know

[temi]

What do you mean martin, do you mean anytime I need contextual links I should let you know?

[espmartin]

Yes. I am really pushing contextuals right now...and not only from blog posts, but my other
established sites - with some pages being as old as the sites themselves

[loredan]

Originally Posted by SkinnerW

There are two sides of the coin on this one Martin.

If my goal is to get as many traffic as I can and I am advertising on the high traffic website - I want banner or text link on very visible spot, even if it's "no-followed".

If I am trying to gain some SERP's points than "do-follow" content link will have more value.

Spot on, SkinnerW!