So, what are Toxic Links?

You could say that links run the web. Every time we create content on the internet, a link is created, and all of us use those links to give other people the directions to our content, website, and blog.

We share links to informative, funny, and cool stuff.

Links are the web’s pathways to things we want to learn, share, and offer to our friends and customers.

So, what are toxic links and how do I define toxic links?

Toxic links;

My definition of toxic links are links used in spammy, misleading, and even rude ways.

First, most of us know that the law requires us to identify any affiliate links to products or services in all of our content. Right?

But too often, people are still using affiliate links without identifying them as such. I see this happening a lot on social media.

But by not properly identifying these links people are being deceptive to their fans, followers, customers, and friends.

And by definition deceptive links are toxic.

Also, when someone asks a question, whether it be on your blog or social media, if your reply is only a link, it’s rude. This practice screams, “I don’t have the time or care enough to answer you politely, so I’m only going to reply with a link.”

Replying to questions with just a link is rude, and definitely counts as a toxic link. This type of behaviour is offensive and even illegal if the link-reply is also a link by which the person would receive compensation. Right?

So, please, everyone, and I mean everyone, no matter who you are, how important you think you are, how time-strapped or desperate you are to make money, please stop being so rude and deceptive.

Rudeness will never allow you to create a loyal community or following that will stick around and remain a client, customer, ambassador, or friend. And the bottom line is that you, all of us, need our communities.

Communities are the foundation of success, both in business and life.

What are your views on these shady methods of link sharing?