It's a good question and I'm not sure there is a perfect answer. The truth is that the only real "SEO Experts" out there are the people who write (and regularly change) the algorithms at Google, Bing, and other search engines.

What we do know is this: Search engine algorithms today are incredibly sophisticated and one thing they don't want to see is a lot of "unnatural" looking link activity. So, as an example, if your site suddenly develops a whole bunch of reciprocal links while your other incoming links haven't grown – that will probably look unnatural and not be rewarded.

In the 3 techniques we mentioned above, only one of them (networking with other artists) really involves exchanging links. The other techniques rely on either compelling content or a local business presence to attract a one-way link to your site.

So, when we say, "Link Locally" we're not suggesting that you should just email a whole bunch of artists and ask them for reciprocal links – that would be unnatural. What we mean is – get out and make connections with your art community and with local businesses and arts organizations and let them know you exist. Then, if there is the opportunity to have a link from their website to yours, don't be afraid to ask for it! That is a very real and "natural" way to network with your website.

I hope that makes sense??

Daniel.

I am not sure actually and to be honest I don't know how many arts professionals are crawling around the free gallery sites. Perhaps other artists can comment and give some ideas on that.

The main point of the links from free gallery sites in the article was to improve SEO for your own website.

I do know that collectors and galleries look for artists on some of the paid art-hub sites. Examples that come to mind are artnet.com and artla.com. These are quite expensive and you would need to keep your work updated regularly to have some visibility. We actually have a special relationship with artnet that allows us to offer a great deal to artists.

Another excellent paid site is absolutearts.com. They are much less expensive but definitely looking into for one of their premier portfolios.

Thanks again – hope this helps.

Daniel.

Thank you in advance for your response,

Tanya