Value of links within related articles sidebar

[ChrisTalin]

Hello,

We have recently developed a related articles shortcode which we use on our wordpress sites. It allows editors to pull in links to x 3 related articles within their article which then appear to the side.

I wondered if anyone is able to help advise about the link value of the links included within the related articles widget - i.e. will it carry the same link value as links within the copy? All I can see that's different is that the links are in an

<aside>tag - is this going to make a significance difference do you think?

Thanks for any help,

Rachel

</aside>

[EGOL]

The search engines probably value these links in some way, but nobody outside of the search engines nobody knows exactly what their value might be.

In my opinion, it is essential to have these types of links on your pages.  They decrease bounce rates and help engage visitors.

If you go to almost any of the most important news sites you will see links to their related content in  the side bars and immediately below their articles.  You will even see them within articles.  They are often accompanied by interesting images, beautiful images, provocative  images, all to get your attention.   These content blocks can direct visitors to  related content, most popular content, most shared content and serendipitous content.

Some websites even make money by displaying links to content on other website using services such as outbrain, taboola, and others.

Promoting your own content in this way is a very important thing to do.   Promoting the content of others might be a good idea to make money, but it might be a better idea to promote your own instead of giving your engaged visitors to other website for a few cents.

[idg-sweden]

It should not matter if you link directly from your content or from your related article widget. Both links should carry the same link value as long as both have the same opportunities regarding, anchor text, link title etc..

Regards,
Danne