Link Tricking By Home Depot

[JohnW]

Normally we don't name names here, but we make exceptions if it involves shenanigans by a major brand. Seems that some Home Depot partners have received an email from Home Depot asking for a link and explaining that the site giving the link will gain improved authority score. I wonder how many people are ignorant enough to link to them based on such a blatant misrepresentation. Here's the exact quote:

“Linking to The Home Depot website will benefit our business partners by increasing the page authority of your website. Page Authority predicts the likelihood of a single page to rank well in search results. Ranking high in search results will assist with driving more relevant traffic to your website.”

In another part of the email, there is a suggestion to hide the link.

"Please note that the hyperlink does not have to be visually indicated."

They go on to explain in detail how to code the link with anchor text. Amazing strategy for a big brand I must say.

[bhartzer]

Interesting, is there any way I can get a copy of the email? I'd like to take a look at it.

[JohnW]

Bill, it's on a PC at the office. I will email you a copy tomorrow.

[Jenstar]

I'd love to see a full copy of it too

[Chris Boggs]

definitely stupid asking for the link to be obscured, as well as the idea that somehow linking to HD will help the linker. other than that, this is sound strategy and should be fully leveraged especially for big brands that don;t capitalize on their network equity.

[bhartzer]

Thanks for the email, John, I posted the full HD email on my blog.

I agree, Chris. I don't have a problem with Home Depot send out emails like this--it's just what they said (obscuring the link) and how they said it (it will help YOUR page authority).

[AussieWebmaster]

interesting how many places picked up on this thread

[rustybrick]

You are welcome.

[bhartzer]

I'm not surprised how may "places" picked this up. There seems to be a lot of scrutiny lately, especially on companies that "should know better".

[gasyoun]

I hope they did not forget the white text on white background...