How strong are reciprocal editorial links

[BobGW]

Hello,

If someone mentions a site in their blog, then that site mentions them back in their blog, how strong is this reciprocal link?

Can a lot of these type of links be bad?

Thanks

[Chris.Menke]

The fact that you're getting dramatically different views on the issue leaves open the possibility that there is no steadfast rule to go by here. If that's the case, your SEO experience should be telling you to tread lightly.

A few years back, Bill Slawski wrote a post about what search engines think about reciprocal links. Some months later, Eric Ward a post expounding on "Why Reciprocal Links Will Always be Viable".  Both are still relevant and good reads.

[BobGW]

Thank you Irving and littlesthobo,

I posted this because I seem to be getting dramatically different ideas on if editorial reciprocal links are beneficial.

I'd like to hear more details on how you know that the links are good or bad, and it would be great to hear from others' opinions as well.

We're considering exchanging blog posts with alumni of ours, which is what started this search for an answer.

[littlesthobo]

I think it depends on the nature and the quality of the sites.  For example, say I got a link from the Guardian and I was so chuffed I posted a link back to the article on the guardian on my blog, I'm pretty certain I would still reap the link juice benefits.

Edit - I just want to add that I do have direct experience of this on a new clients site. As a UK jounalist for a british new site he has dozens  of backlinks to his site.  They;re his only backlinks, his site isn't optimised at all and hasn't been updated in years, yet he has amazing rankings for highly competitive keywords.

[irvingw]

reciprical linking is no longer a good strategy. google knows it's a "you do something for me i'll do something for you" deal and discounts them