What are self created links?
Self created links are links you or your team place directly—examples include profile links, forum signatures, directory listings, web 2.0 pages, or manual blog comments. They differ from editorial links because you control the placement rather than earning a mention on an outside site. Many site owners use them to jumpstart visibility, but their value depends entirely on quality and relevance.
Risks and best practices
It’s tempting to create large volumes of these links, but search engines devalue or penalize low-quality, spammy patterns. Consider these practical rules from Thinkit Media:
- Prioritize relevance: Only place links on sites that are topically related and have real visitors.
- Limit automation: Avoid mass-submitting or automated schemes that produce thin pages.
- Vary anchor text: Use natural, branded, and long-tail anchors instead of exact-match repeats.
- Mix link types: Combine self created links with earned editorial mentions for a balanced profile.
- Monitor quality: Regularly audit and remove or disavow links on low-quality pages.
Thinkit Media recommends using self created links strategically—not as a primary tactic. When done carefully, they can supplement outreach and editorial link building to improve visibility without risking your site’s reputation.
