Why the Google Link Command Is An Unreliable Metric

December 2nd, 2009 | Written by: april

The Google link: command is a useful tool for a quick, roughhewn snapshot of back-links pointing to a given site. However, many mistakenly regard this tool as an accurate SEO metric for competitive analysis. For those who are not aware of Google’s link: command, you can perform a cursory search in Google to reveal a sample of linking sites for any given URL. For example, if you plug [link:www.site-name.com] into Google’s search bar, Google will return a number of sites that display outbound links to www.site-name.com.

However, proceed with caution when using Google’s link: command tool as there are several inaccuracies to be wary of:

1. The number of sites listed is NOT accurate

Google admits to the inaccuracy of the number of sites displayed in their results; the sites listed are merely a sub-sample of linking sites. A larger, more inclusive link check can be verified through Google’s Webmaster Tools. Although be advised that not all links will be listed in Webmaster either. Assess the numbers returned from both tools with discrimination.

2. The sites listed are NOT sorted by importance

Unfortunately, the websites returned are nothing more than a random sample of assorted websites including both those that provide link value and those that you’d sooner click and drag to your desktop recycling bin.

3. The sites are NOT presorted by any definitive order

There is no order affixed to the sites listed in Google’s search results. Valuable linking sites are randomly dispersed from anywhere to page 1 to page 100.

4. The Google link: command does NOT return accurate, real time results

The link counts are inconsistent. In many cases you’ll notice the numbers fluctuate infrequently which can pose a headache for the less discerning.

Use the Google link: command tool with discretion and merely as a quick reference to aid you in the analysis of a site. It’s advisable to setup a Google Webmaster account, if you have not already, to access a more extensive list of back-links.

Tags: backlinks, google link command, link check

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 at 8:41 am and is filed under Blog, Link Building, SEO, Search Engines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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