Hello Serenata-Ga,

I've added some home page content as you recommended -but I have a
query on why the backward links to www.lincolnhotel.co.uk aren't
showing up after 2 months? For example,
http://www.shaggysheep.com/Accommodation.htm (PR5)
http://www.gellifawr.co.uk/ (PR4)
http://www.pembrokeshire-self-catering-accommodation.co.uk/links.shtml (PR4)
http://www.glamorganwalks.com/links7.htm (PR4)

Many Thanks, Eamonn Mc Greevy

Hello again, Eamonn ~

Taking a look at your site I can see that you have indeed added new
content, and  it is really looking nice.

Apparently, you aren't the only one who notices that links to their
site aren't included, and that Google seems way behind in updating
that section of their search.

Here's a recent thread on Webmaster World about just this problem, "No
backlinks From Google - Google Backlinks"
   - http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum3/22583.htm


So, like others, you are waiting for your links to be updated, and I
don't have an answer for you as to when you can expect this to happen.
The fact that it has apparently been some time since the last update
might be indicative that it will happen soon - but it is no guarantee,
either.

It is apparent that Google is working hard to bring the most relevant
content and material to a searcher's queries.

At last week's (actually the week before last now) Search Engine
Strategies, we learned that changes will include, for lack of a better
word, that "real" back links will be rewarded, while the obvious
attempts to game the system will become futile. PageRank was always
supposed to measure importance, not how well someone could maneuver
the system, and I suspect the changes, when they do show up, will
reflect just that.

So to answer your question, they probably aren't showing for the same
reason the links of others aren't, either. Apparently they haven't
been updated.


Addressing those links,

The link from Shaggy Sheep Tour of Wales has only your URL and the
term, "Cardiff B&B" after it. It would be a much better link if he
would add a sentence or two about the Lincoln House B&B. The link
alone isn't as helpful as some text with it would be.
   - http://www.shaggysheep.com/Accommodation.htm


The same goes for the other links, too. While you less control over
links to your site, it might help if you did likewise with your
outgoing links. A sentence or two to describe their importance or
significance will go along way toward getting the same type of links
to your own site.


One last item I thought I should mention. Your photos are lovely, but
the text links under each picture can be confusing for your visitor
who will probably think the text is related to the photo.

For instance, the photo of the fireplace with "Local Attractions"
directly beneath it makes one wonder what the attraction of the
fireplace is. It's just something to think about. Remember, you want
to make it very easy for your visitors and search engines to navigate
your site.

I am assuming you want your visitor to book rooms with you, so every
page should also have a link within the text to check the available
dates. Remember, smaller browsers may have scrolled so your navigation
is no longer showing. Make it easy for him, if he makes the decision
to enquire about availability, to do so.

I hope this helps.

Serenata
Google Answers Researcher

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Request for Answer Clarification by bluelake-ga on 19 Mar 2004 01:36 PST

Thank you Serenata,

Just a quick clarification on inbound text links. You recommend to
include a sentence or two of description. Do those sentences have to
be included in the link? I assume they do otherwise how would Google
know they are connected to the link?

Thanks for your note about the text links under the photos -good point.

Eamonn

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Clarification of Answer by serenata-ga on 19 Mar 2004 06:44 PST

Hi Eamonn ~

No, but the link would be anchored within or adjacent to the text. As an example,

   <link>Lincoln House Hotel</link>, beautiful accommodations ....
   etc. 

Obviously, you'd use the correct link and keyword rich text - it is
just anchored within the text.

Hope this helps,

Serenata

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Request for Answer Clarification by bluelake-ga on 23 Mar 2004 12:56 PST

Thanks again Serenata,

But I can't quite grasp this. In your example, how will adding keyword
rich text like "beautiful accommodations" outside the link help? How
will Google know this is connected with the Lincoln Hotel website?

Eamonn

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Clarification of Answer by serenata-ga on 23 Mar 2004 13:16 PST

Hi Eamonn,

That's sometimes referred to as an anchored text link. A descriptive
paragraph, which contains (or restates) your keywords within that
paragraph PLUS contains a link to your site works sort of like a
'vote' that the term applies to your site from OUTSIDE your site. It
is sort of like a "vote" that that search term (or key word) applies
to your site.

Did that help explain it?

Thanks Serenta,

You're really helping me understand these SEO issues.

Hi Eamonn ~

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate my answer and for the
generous tip. That was a very considerate thing for you to do.

Thank you again,
Serenata