By: Raymond Hackney
Matt Cutts spent some time today discussing the criteria Google uses to determine if a link is paid for. Matt brought up the FTC and their guidelines to what constitutes a material connection. Matt did say that Google tries to almost mirror the FTC with a lot of their own policies. Google is always looking at creative ways people get links by compensation that is not a straight cash payment.
Matt did make clear as they come across new techniques not listed in the Google code of conduct, they will react to those actions as well. Apparently some people they have come across are looking for some sweet perks to give a favorable review or link.
How would Google even know what someone gave you…..
sam
Again, total bull!! unless you have a human reviewer checking every link, show me how an algorithm can show intent and verify cash exchange.
There is no way to know for sure if a link is paid for. One type that might raise suspicion might be an ad. Even then, who’s to know whether or not I put the ad for the product on my site because I use the product and would like to promote it. I could have gotten money for the link and then make a statement that I was not given any monetary compensation for the link. Unless there is a way for Google to monitor someones bank account there would be no way to know.