Link exchanges have been in practice since the beginning of the internet. Before search engines made finding new websites relatively easy, internet browsers usually could only find new pages through the internet version of 'word of mouth,' a link from another website.

The practice increased in popularity as search engines like Google and Overture emphasized link ranking as a key determinant of relevancy in search results. At one time, Google described their search results as providing "relevant websites based on the link structure of the Internet itself." Webmasters took the hint, and sought as many links as possible to their site.

Today however, search engines base results less and less on link ranking. Instead emphasizing other popularity and credibility measures.

Examples of Link Exchanges from FXwords

Canada Business Directory