Introduction to Quid Pro No
Expressly paying for links has been out for a while, and a new approach called Quid Pro No is in. This method is used when a website asks for money in exchange for a link. During the course of building links, whether it’s free links, publishing an article, or getting a brand mention, it’s not unusual to get solicited for money. It’s tempting to take the bait and get a project done, but there are some considerations to take into account before making a decision.
The Risks of Paid Links
Link building, digital PR, and brand mention building can often lead to solicitations for paid links. There are many good reasons for not engaging in paid links, and it’s possible to get a link without paying for it. When someone asks for money in return for a link, it’s a red flag. This is because it’s highly likely they have done this before and are linking to low-quality websites that are in bad neighborhoods, putting the publisher’s site and any associated sites at risk.
Red Light Means Stop
The first consideration is that someone who has their hand out for money is a red light. This is because they have likely linked to low-quality websites in the past, which can harm the publisher’s site. In this case, it’s best to walk away. Getting solicited for money can be a frequent occurrence, and some site publishers are publishing guest post submission guidelines for the purpose of attracting paying submissions. This is an industry that is overly normalized in certain circles, and it’s essential to be aware of it.
Spook The Fish
A less frequent occurrence is when a new website is trying to extract something. If the site checks out, there may be room for some kind of concession. If they’re asking for money, Quid Pro No means to frighten them away from this kind of activity and then turn them around to doing the project on your terms. This can be done by explaining the risks of paid links and the benefits of a legitimate partnership.
Explaining the Risks
When explaining the risks, it’s essential to be polite and brief. Here are some points to consider:
- FTC Guidelines: FTC guidelines prohibit a web publisher from accepting money for an unlabeled advertisement.
- Google Guidelines: Google prohibits paid links.
Land The Link
What’s in it for me is a useful concept that can be used to convince someone that it’s in their interest to do things your way. It’s essential to convince the other party that there’s something in it for them. They want something, so sometimes it’s worthwhile to make them feel as if they’re getting something out of the deal. The approach to closing a project is to circle back to asking for an article project by focusing on communicating why your site is high quality and ways that both sites can cross-promote.
Or Go For A Labeled Sponsored Post
However, another way to turn this around is to pay for a labeled sponsored post that contains multiple no-follow links and/or brand mentions. Sponsored posts get indexed by search engines and AI platforms that will use those as validation for how great your site is and recommend it. What’s beautiful about a labeled sponsored post is that it gives you full control over the messaging, which can be more valuable than a tossed-off link in a random paragraph.
Quid Pro No
Quid Pro No is about negatively responding to a solicitation and turning it around to get something you want without actually saying the word no. This approach is about being polite, brief, and informative, while also being firm and clear about your intentions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Quid Pro No is a useful approach when dealing with websites that ask for money in exchange for links. By being aware of the risks of paid links, explaining the risks, and offering alternative solutions, it’s possible to turn a negative situation into a positive one. Remember to always prioritize the quality of your website and the websites you partner with, and never compromise on your values and principles. By using the Quid Pro No approach, you can build high-quality links, increase your online presence, and achieve your digital marketing goals.