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Link Building

Is automated link building dangerous for website search engine optimization?

Nov 21, 2017

There is a believe that manual link building becomes obsolete in 2017. This concept has been discussed a lot of times, but still, there is no one clear statement toward it.

Generally speaking, manual link building is a process of actively trying to increase the number of incoming links to a web source. It is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of efforts. Manual link building is usually associated with an organic way of generating links.

When you research TOP ranking sites in your niche you see the number of links that point to them. They have hundreds of thousands of incoming links from high and middle authority web sources. Of course, their link profiles aren’t spawned overnight. These TOP ranking sites get such results by working smart and creating incoming links manually.

In this article, we will talk about manual and automatic link building techniques. Moreover, we will discuss how Google draw the line between natural and unnatural link building results. I am going to list the most useful manual and automatic backlink strategies that will provide you with good SEO results.

How manual link building can improve your site rankings?

In our days creating links become harder than ever due to the high competition in a digital market and constant search engine algorithm changes. Which link building techniques Google approves today might be spammy strategies tomorrow. However, despite all these negative factors, backlinks are still leading driving force that can improve your site rank and generate traffic to your website. Webmasters who do not want to spend a lot of time on creating organic links referring to automated link building software or looking for paid link building opportunities. However, as a practice shows, there is no better than natural link building. You should not be involved in fraudulent link building techniques as it will be indeed detected by Google. We are now on the new edge of search engine optimization and obtaining low-quality spammy backlinks can devastate all your SEO efforts as well as brand reputation.

Manual link building against automated one

As the low-quality link building era was ending, we need to create link equally. That is why we gather some effective manual link building techniques that will work in your favor.

Forum and blog comments

Comments is a simple and effective way of gaining links, as long as you leave them on relevant and high PR web sources. Your comments need to be related to the discussion topic and look natural among others. Google won’t penalize your site if the comment is made manually. If it is done manually, it seems logical, sticks to the point and possesses value to other readers. However, according to Google Webmaster Guidelines, forum comments with optimized links in the post or signature won’t be counted as quality and will deserve sanctions.

Guest blogging

Another effective link building strategy that always works is guest blogging. Some webmasters claim that it is a spammy strategy of creating links. However, truth be told, if it’s done correctly, it will bring positive optimization results. I am going to talk about authoritative guest blogging as a part of winning optimization campaign. You need to create content with not only one intention to improve your site rank, but with the intention to bring value to your readers. If you craft your content with a reader in mind, then you can use guest blogging as a safe manual link building technique.

Artem Abgarian

Thank you all for your comments! I'm glad this article has sparked a discussion. I'll be addressing each comment individually, so let's get started!

Alexandra

I believe manual backlink building is better because it allows for more control and quality assurance. Automated tools can easily generate low-quality or spammy links. Plus, manual efforts tend to have a longer-lasting impact. What do you guys think?

Sam

I completely agree, Alexandra. While automated tools may save time, they often result in poor-quality backlinks. Manual backlink building allows for a more personalized approach and better selection of reputable websites. It's definitely the way to go!

Artem Abgarian

Emily, you make a valid point. Automated backlink building, when done right, can indeed be effective. It's crucial to choose reliable tools that prioritize quality over quantity. However, the control and personalization offered by manual efforts tend to be favored in most cases.

Max

I think it depends on the specific situation. In some cases, manual backlink building may be more appropriate, especially when targeting niche or industry-related websites. On the other hand, automated backlink building can be efficient for broader outreach strategies. It's important to consider the context.

David

As someone who has experimented with both methods, I lean towards manual backlink building. It allows for a more natural and organic link profile, which search engines value. It might require more effort, but it pays off in the long run. Automation can create problems if not carefully managed.

Artem Abgarian

Max and David, I appreciate your insights. It's true that the approach should be tailored based on the specific goals and circumstances. A combination of manual and automated methods can also be a viable strategy, depending on the resources available.

Sophia

In my opinion, both manual and automated backlink building have their merits. Manual efforts are great for building relationships and ensuring quality, while automation can be efficient for scale. Ultimately, a balanced approach that aligns with the overall digital marketing strategy is key.

Artem Abgarian

Sophia, you bring up an important point. A balanced approach that combines the strengths of manual and automated backlink building can indeed yield positive results. It's crucial to find the right balance that aligns with the goals and resources of each project.

Michael

I believe manual backlink building is crucial for building genuine connections and establishing authority. Automation can be tempting for quick results, but it often lacks the human touch. Genuine relationships with website owners and influencers have a strong impact on long-term success.

Artem Abgarian

Michael, I agree with your perspective. Building genuine connections and establishing authority are key benefits of manual backlink building. It's important to remember that link building is not just about SEO but also about fostering valuable relationships within the industry.

Daniel

I've tried both methods, and personally, I prefer manual backlink building. It allows for more control over the quality and relevance of the backlinks. Automation may save time, but it can also lead to a higher risk of penalties from search engines. Quality should always be prioritized.

Artem Abgarian

Daniel, thank you for sharing your experience. The risk of penalties is indeed a concern with automated backlink building. Manual efforts provide better control and reduce the chances of being flagged for unnatural link patterns. Quality should always be a top priority.

Olivia

I think a combination of both methods is ideal. Manual backlink building helps establish trust and relevance, while automated tools can be useful for scaling and saving time. It's important to strike a balance and adapt the approach based on the specific project requirements.

Artem Abgarian

Olivia, I completely agree. A balanced approach is often the best strategy. Manual efforts for trust and relevance, coupled with automation for efficiency and scalability, can be a powerful combination. Adaptability is key in the ever-evolving field of backlink building.

Jonathan

I would argue that manual backlink building is becoming less effective as search engines increasingly prioritize natural link patterns and user-focused strategies. Automation allows for broader reach and targeting, which can be beneficial for driving traffic and improving rankings.

Artem Abgarian

Jonathan, while manual backlink building may require more effort, it still remains valuable for developing genuine relationships and building authority. Automation should be approached with caution to avoid potential risks. A comprehensive approach that considers both aspects can yield better results.

Lily

I've seen success with both methods, but I find that manual backlink building offers more sustainable results. Automated tools can be efficient, but they often lack personalization and may result in lower-quality backlinks. It's worth investing the time and effort in manual efforts for long-term benefits.

Artem Abgarian

Lily, you bring up an important point about the long-term benefits of manual backlink building. While automation may provide quicker results, the personalized approach of manual efforts tends to have a more lasting impact. Investing in quality relationships is a worthwhile strategy.

Laura

Automation is the way to go! With the right tools, you can generate backlinks at scale in a short amount of time. Why spend hours manually reaching out and negotiating when you can automate the process and focus on other aspects of your marketing strategy?

Artem Abgarian

Laura, while automation can be efficient, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the risk of generating low-quality backlinks or being penalized by search engines. Building relationships and ensuring relevancy should not be overlooked for long-term success.

Grace

I believe manual backlink building is essential for establishing authority and credibility. Automation may provide convenience, but it lacks the personal touch that can make a real difference. It's the effort and dedication put into manual efforts that truly pay off.

Artem Abgarian

Grace, I couldn't agree more. The personal touch and effort invested in manual backlink building can significantly impact the authority and credibility of a website. It's important not to underestimate the value of genuine relationships and the long-term benefits they bring.

Benjamin

Automated backlink building is the way to go in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Manual efforts are time-consuming and may not yield the same level of efficiency. Automation allows for greater reach and agility, which can be critical for staying competitive.

Artem Abgarian

Benjamin, while automation can certainly improve efficiency, it's essential to maintain a balance with manual efforts. Genuine relationships and quality backlinks are vital in building long-term trust and authority. Striking a balance between automation and personalization is key.

Victoria

Automated backlink building can be a valuable tool, especially for scaling efforts and targeting a larger audience. Manual backlink building, on the other hand, offers more control over the quality and relevancy of the links. It's about finding the right balance for each project.

Artem Abgarian

Victoria, you've summarized it well. It's a matter of finding the right balance that aligns with the specific project goals and resources. A combination of automated and manual backlink building can ensure both efficiency and quality in the link building process.

Nathan

Automation may save time, but manual backlink building allows for more targeted and relevant outreach. Personalized efforts have a higher chance of success in building strong relationships and attaining high-quality backlinks. It's an investment worth making.

Artem Abgarian

Nathan, I completely agree with you. Manual backlink building offers a more tailored and personalized approach, which can lead to stronger relationships and better quality backlinks. It's an investment that pays off in the long run.

Elizabeth

Automated backlink building may seem enticing for saving time, but it often results in low-quality and irrelevant backlinks. Manual efforts, although more time-consuming, ensure better control and relevance. Quality and relevancy should be the top priorities.

Artem Abgarian

Elizabeth, you've highlighted an important aspect. Quality and relevancy should indeed be the top priorities in backlink building. While automation may offer efficiency, it's crucial to maintain control over the generated backlinks for long-term success.

William

Automation is the future! With advanced AI and machine learning, automated backlink building can be more efficient and effective than manual efforts. The key is utilizing reliable tools that optimize for quality. It's time to embrace the benefits of automation.

Artem Abgarian

William, automation indeed presents exciting opportunities for backlink building. However, it's important to approach it with caution and ensure that the tools prioritize quality over quantity. The balance between automation and manual efforts is crucial for long-term success.

Caroline

I've found that manual backlink building allows for more customization and control, ensuring higher quality and relevance. Automation, although faster, may result in spammy or irrelevant backlinks. It's a matter of prioritizing long-term impact over short-term gains.

Artem Abgarian

Caroline, you've highlighted an important aspect of manual backlink building. The customization and control it offers contribute to higher quality and relevance. Prioritizing long-term impact is key in the ever-evolving landscape of search engine algorithms.

Christopher

Automation can be efficient, especially when dealing with large-scale projects. However, manual efforts are crucial for niche or industry-specific websites. It allows for a deeper understanding of the target audience and builds stronger relationships within the industry.

Artem Abgarian

Christopher, you raise an important point about the role of manual efforts in niche or industry-specific websites. The deeper understanding and stronger relationships that manual backlink building allows for are valuable assets in those cases. Thank you for sharing your insights.

Emma

I've seen great results with automated backlink building, especially when time is a constraint. Of course, it's essential to use reliable tools and strategies to ensure quality. It's a matter of finding the right balance based on project requirements and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Emma, striking the right balance between automation and manual efforts is indeed crucial. Using reliable tools and strategies can greatly improve the quality and efficiency of automated backlink building. Personalization and control should still be considered for long-term success.

Grace

Manual backlink building is time-consuming and may require more effort, but it allows for a greater level of personalization and control. Automated tools may save time, but they can result in low-quality backlinks. It's worth investing in manual efforts for better long-term results.

Artem Abgarian

Grace, you've highlighted the advantages of manual backlink building very well. The personalization and control it offers contribute to higher quality backlinks and better long-term results. Investing in manual efforts is often the right choice for sustainable success.

Matthew

Automated backlink building can be efficient for large-scale projects or time-constrained situations. However, it should be used cautiously to avoid generating low-quality or spammy backlinks. Manual efforts, although more time-consuming, often yield better results in terms of relevancy and authority.

Artem Abgarian

Matthew, you've summarized it well. While automation can be efficient in certain situations, quality and relevancy should not be compromised. Manual efforts provide better control and often result in higher-quality backlinks that contribute to long-term relevance and authority.

Sophia

I find that a combination of manual and automated backlink building works best. Manual efforts for building relationships and high-quality backlinks, and automation for scaling and efficiency. The right balance can bring great results without compromising on quality.

Artem Abgarian

Sophia, you've captured the essence of a balanced approach perfectly. Combining manual and automated backlink building allows for the best of both worlds - building relationships and high-quality backlinks, while also ensuring scalability and efficiency. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

Oliver

Automation is the way to go in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Manual efforts are time-consuming and may not yield the same level of efficiency. Automation allows for broader reach and agility, which can be critical for staying ahead of the competition.

Artem Abgarian

Oliver, automation does indeed offer efficiency and quicker results. However, it's important to ensure that the automated tools prioritize quality and relevancy to avoid potential risks. A comprehensive strategy that includes manual efforts can lead to better long-term outcomes.

Emily

I have used both methods, and I believe manual backlink building provides better control and precision. Automated tools may save time, but they often generate low-quality backlinks that can harm a website's reputation. Quality and relevancy should never be compromised.

Artem Abgarian

Emily, your experience aligns with the common sentiment that manual backlink building offers better control and precision. The potential harm caused by low-quality backlinks is indeed a concern with automation. Quality and relevancy should always be prioritized for long-term success.

Daniel

Automated backlink building can save a lot of time and effort, especially for large-scale projects. However, manual efforts are crucial for ensuring quality and relevance. It's a matter of finding the right balance and combining both approaches for optimal results.

Artem Abgarian

Daniel, striking the right balance between automation and manual efforts is indeed crucial. The efficiency offered by automation can be beneficial for large-scale projects, while manual efforts ensure quality and relevance. A combination of both approaches can yield optimal results.

Matthew

Automation can be an effective way to generate a large number of backlinks quickly. However, manual backlink building allows for more control and customization, resulting in higher quality and relevancy. Depending on the project goals, a combination of both methods can be the best approach.

Artem Abgarian

Matthew, you've summarized the benefits of both automation and manual efforts well. Control and customization are indeed stronger in manual backlink building, while automation can offer efficiency and scale. A combined approach can be the optimal solution, depending on the specific project goals.

Grace

Automated backlink building is a time-saving solution for generating a large number of backlinks. However, manual backlink building allows for better control and personalized outreach, resulting in higher quality links. It's important to strike a balance based on project requirements and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Grace, you've emphasized the importance of striking the right balance between automated and manual backlink building. While automation offers time-saving benefits, the control and personalization of manual efforts often result in higher quality links. Project requirements and available resources should guide the approach.

Oliver

Automation enables quick backlink generation and scalability. However, manual backlink building ensures better relevance and quality. It's essential to choose the approach that aligns with project goals and resources, considering both short-term efficiency and long-term impact.

Artem Abgarian

Oliver, you've highlighted the trade-offs between automation and manual backlink building well. Scalability and quick results are advantages of automation, while manual efforts excel in relevance and quality. Balancing short-term efficiency with long-term impact is crucial for successful link building.

Sophia

Automated backlink building can save time, especially for broad outreach strategies. However, manual backlink building allows for a personalized approach, building valuable relationships with website owners. Depending on the project goals, a combination of both methods can be the best approach.

Artem Abgarian

Sophia, you've captured the benefits of automation and manual backlink building well. The time-saving advantages of automation and the personalized approach of manual efforts both have their merits. A combined approach that suits the project goals can yield the best results.

Gabriel

Automation can save time, but it can also generate low-quality backlinks if not used correctly. Manual backlink building, although more time-consuming, allows for better quality control and relevancy. Striking the right balance between the two is important for a successful backlink strategy.

Artem Abgarian

Gabriel, you've highlighted the potential risks of automation well. Quality control and relevancy are indeed better maintained through manual backlink building. Striking the right balance based on project requirements can ensure a successful backlink strategy. Thank you for your input.

Liam

I believe automated backlink building is the way to go. With the right tools and proper strategies, it can be efficient and effective. Manual backlink building may offer more control, but it can be time-consuming. Automation is the key to scale and stay ahead in today's competitive landscape.

Artem Abgarian

Liam, while automation can be beneficial for scalability and efficiency, it's important to use reliable tools and strategies to ensure quality and relevancy. Manual backlink building, although time-consuming, provides better control and can be essential for long-term success. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

Victoria

Automated backlink building can save time, but it often results in low-quality or spammy backlinks. Manual backlink building, although more time-consuming, ensures better control and relevancy. It's important to prioritize quality over quantity for a successful backlink strategy.

Artem Abgarian

Victoria, you've emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality and relevancy in a backlink strategy. Automation can be efficient, but the risk of low-quality and spammy backlinks should not be ignored. Manual backlink building provides better control and contributes to long-term success.

Jonathan

Automation allows for quick backlink generation, but it can lack precision and result in low-quality links. Manual backlink building enables a more tailored and relevant approach, fostering stronger relationships and authority. It's a matter of choosing the right approach based on the project goals and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Jonathan, you've highlighted the advantages of manual backlink building very effectively. The tailored and relevant approach it offers, fostering relationships and authority, is indeed valuable. The right approach depends on the specific project goals and available resources. Thank you for your input.

Nathan

Automated backlink building can be a time-efficient strategy, especially for large-scale projects. However, manual backlink building allows for better customization, control, and relevance. It's important to find the right balance that aligns with the project goals and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Nathan, you've captured the benefits of both automation and manual backlink building well. Automation offers time efficiency, while manual efforts provide customization, control, and relevance. Finding the right balance that aligns with the project goals and available resources is crucial for success.

Olivia

I believe automated backlink building can be effective if used wisely. With the right tools and strategies, it can save time and generate quality backlinks. However, manual backlink building allows for personalized efforts and stronger relationships. A combination of both approaches can be the best strategy.

Artem Abgarian

Olivia, you've articulated the advantages of automated and manual backlink building well. The time-saving benefits and quality backlinks possible with automation, coupled with the personalized efforts and relationship building of manual backlink building, can indeed create a powerful strategy. Thank you for your input.

Michael

Automation may save time, but manual backlink building is crucial for building genuine relationships. Genuine relationships contribute to stronger backlinks and long-term success. It's about investing the time and effort to establish authority and credibility in the industry.

Artem Abgarian

Michael, you've captured the importance of manual backlink building very well. Genuine relationships are indeed essential for building stronger and more valuable backlinks, as well as establishing authority and credibility in the industry. Investing in manual efforts is an investment in long-term success.

David

Automated backlink building may save time, but it often lacks the personal touch that manual efforts bring. Manual backlink building allows for more control and customization, resulting in higher quality backlinks. It's about striking a balance and adapting the approach based on the specific project requirements.

Artem Abgarian

David, you've highlighted the importance of manual backlink building very effectively. The personal touch, control, and customization it offers contribute to higher quality backlinks. Striking a balance between automation and manual efforts, considering the specific project requirements, is crucial for success.

Samuel

Automation can be efficient for scaling efforts and generating a large number of backlinks. However, it often lacks the control and relevancy that manual backlink building provides. Choosing the right approach depends on the project goals and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Samuel, you've captured the advantages and considerations of automation and manual backlink building well. The control and relevancy of manual efforts are indeed valuable, while automation offers efficiency and scalability. The project goals and available resources should guide the approach to ensure success.

Oliver

Automation allows for quick backlink generation, which can be beneficial for scaling efforts. However, manual backlink building ensures better relevance and quality control. A combination of both methods can be the best approach, depending on the specific project requirements.

Artem Abgarian

Oliver, combining automation and manual backlink building is indeed a viable approach. The quick backlink generation of automation and the relevance and quality control of manual efforts contribute to success. It's a matter of adapting the approach based on the specific project requirements. Thank you for your input.

Jonathan

Automation allows faster backlink generation, while manual backlink building provides more control and customization. Depending on the project goals, a combination of both approaches can achieve the desired results. It's about finding the right balance that aligns with the overall strategy.

Artem Abgarian

Jonathan, you've summarized the benefits of automation and manual backlink building well. A combination of both approaches, finding the right balance, can indeed yield the desired results based on the project goals and strategy. Thank you for your input.

Natalie

Automated backlink building can save time, but it often leads to low-quality and irrelevant backlinks. Manual backlink building, although more time-consuming, ensures better control and relevancy. It's important to prioritize quality over quantity for long-term success.

Artem Abgarian

Natalie, you've emphasized an important aspect of backlink building - prioritizing quality over quantity. While automation can save time, manual efforts provide better control and relevancy. Ensuring high-quality backlinks is key to achieving long-term success. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Liam

Automated backlink building can be efficient for large-scale projects or time-constrained situations. However, manual efforts are crucial for ensuring quality and relevancy. It's a matter of finding the right balance and combining both approaches for optimal results.

Artem Abgarian

Liam, you've highlighted the importance of finding the right balance between automated and manual backlink building. Ensuring quality and relevancy through manual efforts is crucial, while automation can provide efficiency for large-scale projects. A balanced approach can yield optimal results. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

Hannah

I believe automation has its merits, especially for saving time and effort. However, manual backlink building allows for personalization and control, resulting in higher quality backlinks. A combination of both approaches can be the best strategy based on the project goals and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Hannah, you've captured the advantages and considerations of both automation and manual backlink building well. Saving time and effort are indeed merits of automation, while personalization and control contribute to higher quality backlinks through manual efforts. A balanced approach based on project goals and available resources is key. Thank you for your input.

Daniel

Automation can be efficient for generating a large number of backlinks quickly. However, manual backlink building allows for better control and customization, resulting in higher quality links. A combination of both methods can be the best approach, depending on the project requirements and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Daniel, you've summarized the advantages and considerations of automation and manual backlink building effectively. The efficiency of automation and the control and customization of manual efforts both have their merits. Choosing the right approach based on project requirements and available resources is key to success. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Emily

Automated backlink building can save time, but it often generates low-quality or spammy backlinks. Manual backlink building allows for better quality control and relevancy. It's important to prioritize the quality of backlinks to ensure long-term success.

Artem Abgarian

Emily, you've highlighted an important aspect of backlink building - prioritizing quality. The risk of low-quality or spammy backlinks should not be ignored with automation. Manual efforts provide better quality control, contributing to long-term success. Thank you for sharing your insights.

Matthew

Automated backlink building can be efficient for scaling efforts or time-constrained projects. However, manual backlink building ensures better control and relevance. Balancing both approaches can result in a successful backlink strategy based on the project goals and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Matthew, you've captured the benefits and considerations of automation and manual backlink building well. The efficiency of automation and the control and relevance of manual efforts can be balanced for a successful backlink strategy. The project goals and available resources should guide the approach. Thank you for your input.

Sophia

Automated backlink building can save time and effort, especially for large-scale projects. However, manual backlink building allows for better customization and control. A combination of both approaches can provide the best results, depending on the project requirements and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Sophia, you've captured the advantages of both automated and manual backlink building well. The time-saving benefits of automation for large-scale projects and the customization and control of manual efforts both contribute to success. A combination of both approaches based on project requirements and available resources can yield the best results. Thank you for your perspective.

Natalie

Automated backlink building may save time, but itoften results in low-quality or spammy backlinks. Manual backlink building ensures better control and relevancy. Prioritizing quality over quantity is key for a successful backlink strategy.

Artem Abgarian

Natalie, you've emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality in backlink building. The risk of low-quality or spammy backlinks with automation should not be overlooked. Manual backlink building provides better control and relevancy, leading to a more successful strategy. Thank you for sharing your insights.

Liam

Automation can be an effective way to generate a large number of backlinks quickly. However, manual backlink building allows for better customization, control, and relevancy. It's about finding the right balance based on the project goals and available resources.

Artem Abgarian

Liam, finding the right balance between automation and manual backlink building is indeed crucial. The customization, control, and relevancy of manual efforts contribute to success. Adaptation based on project goals and available resources ensures the optimal strategy. Thank you for your input.

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