Today, I want to discuss a strategy called link neighborhoods, which involves document relevancy and other websites. While this approach may be controversial, it has proven effective for me, so I'd like to share it with you.

Google values high-quality resources because they benefit users and provide insight into the overall web ecosystem. When the internet was first formed, websites naturally formed clusters where they linked to each other. This made it easier for search engines to understand the thematic and contextual relationships between these sites. For example, car-related websites would often link to other car-related websites, and the same goes for pet shop sites. This organic linking pattern has shaped the web as we know it.

When starting a new site or creating a new page, I have found it helpful to embed myself in a link neighborhood. Here's how it works: once I identify my primary keyword and know what I want to optimize for, I often link to my competitors. I understand that this tactic may seem controversial, especially in larger companies where SEO may not be fully understood. The idea of linking to competitors and potentially diverting traffic to them can be met with resistance. However, in my experience, this tactic has not resulted in any traffic loss. In fact, it has helped me establish document relevancy and improve my search rankings.

Let me explain further. By linking to competitors who are already ranking well for my primary keyword, I am signaling to Google that I am associated with these reputable websites. This association can boost my own search rankings. In the beginning, when my site has little to no traffic, I link to competitors on pages that are not frequently visited. This way, I am not diverting any significant traffic away from my own site. Instead, I am leveraging the authority of these competitors to enhance my own document relevancy.

As my site gains authority and attracts more users, I may consider removing these competitor links if it makes sense to do so. However, sometimes it is not necessary. The key takeaway here is that by embedding my document into a link neighborhood and linking to well-ranking sites, I am helping Google understand the document relevancy equation.

In conclusion, this strategy has been effective for me in improving search rankings and establishing document relevancy. While it may be controversial, it is worth considering, especially when starting a new site or page. By linking to competitors, you can leverage their authority and enhance your own search rankings.