Will google penalize you for linking to non related sites?

[StanSl]

I've heard different opinions on this subject. I swap links with any website as long as I feel my type of customer visits those sites and if it will bring me business. Am I wrong for thinking this way? Will google penalize me in the rankings for some of these non related sites?

[jacksonm]

Originally Posted by StanSl

I've heard different opinions on this subject. I swap links with any website as long as I feel my type of customer visits those sites and if it will bring me business. Am I wrong for thinking this way? Will google penalize me in the rankings for some of these non related sites?

Google will penalize you any time they feel you are trying to unfairly manipulate your ranking. Period. And they are good at catching you. You can interpret that how you like.

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