Business Networking, Blogging and Discussions

Linking with Transparency

I noticed a blog post today that contained a link to the author's website at the bottom of the post. In case you're wondering about this, I approve of this practice in general.

However, in this particular case, the text containing the link (anchor text) baited the reader to click on it but led to a landing page that was not consistent with the text (in other words, bait and switch).

In the world of social media, consumers of your content expect transparency. Better to be transparent than to maximize your click through rate. Trust is everything in social media.

Tags: blogs, links, transparency

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julie Weishaar on August 26, 2010 at 7:12pm

Larry - I am sure - crappy isn't it?

Larry Brauner said:

I've got new for you, Julie. My neighbor is just a caricature of many of the spammers out there.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Brauner on August 26, 2010 at 7:22pm

Yeah, but then so are people who cut you off on the highway or tailgate you. Keeps us on our toes.

By the way, I picked up the phone and called the bait and switch blogger to explain everything. He was receptive and changed the anchor text on his links. They still lead to a squeeze page, but at least he's being transparent.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Weishaar on August 26, 2010 at 7:27pm

How about the ones who bump into YOU and then give you a dirty look? LOL Good for you in reaching out to your bait and switcher and letting him/her do the right thing - well - almost :)

Larry Brauner said:

Yeah, but then so are people who cut you off on the highway or tailgate you. Keeps us on our toes.

By the way, I picked up the phone and called the bait and switch blogger to explain everything. He was receptive and changed the anchor text on his links. They still lead to a squeeze page, but at least he's being transparent.

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Permalink Reply by Christine on August 26, 2010 at 10:31pm

Excellent discussion and food for thought. And I also liked your solution and approach to your neighbor... although he didn't get it completely... he did to some extent.

I look at some folks online and wonder how the heck they are so successful when it seems they ARE in your face all the time with an offer. Certainly not my style at all. And yet I wonder how to find that happy medium so you can actually create and build a business without acting like the used car salesman or spammer.

I agree that "transparency" is important... Personally I HATE bait and switch. I also hate it when as soon as you "friend" someone you get a bunch of ads and promos from them.

I have to assume the answer you're going to share is that it is about relationship and trust, right? :) And, I do agree. Sometimes, I just get a bit anxious about paying the bills and it's very tempting to jump on that hard sell bandwagon a little bit. :) I discovered I'm not very good at it though... so the temptation is extremely diminished!

Great topic.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Brauner on August 26, 2010 at 11:07pm

Other channels exist where you can advertise and sell. Selling isn't bad. It just doesn't work in social media.

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Beaton on October 10, 2010 at 2:24am

Hi Carol
I can't agree with you more . I strongly feel that building something slowly , correctly and honesty will actually pave the way for far greater rewards ( both financially and socially ) in the long run .

Carol Deckert, Networking Expert said:

It takes time and energy to build trust and one small move can destroy it all! Being transparent is the only way to build your business - at least in my personal opinion!

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Permalink Reply by Ilka Flood on October 13, 2010 at 12:46pm

Hi Larry,

I totally agree with you. Bait and switch is NOT cool! Attraction marketing is all about being transparent. That's the only way to get our visitors/contacts to know, like and trust us.

What's the point of this bad practice anyway? Nothing will be accomplished. Au contraire!