As a home watch professional, membership in the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) unlocks valuable resources and creates the perception of credibility. However, one specific requirement raises questions among members: displaying the NHWA logo on your website with a mandatory hyperlink to their website (nationalhomewatchassociation.org). While the intent is clear, some members wonder how this impacts their own website’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
This blog post explores the potential drawbacks of outbound links, particularly in the context of SEO, and proposes a solution that can satisfy both the NHWA’s requirements and your SEO aspirations. However, by understanding the SEO concerns and exploring alternative linking strategies, we can help you navigate this situation effectively.
The Downside of Outbound Links: A Balancing Act
Outbound links, those directing users to external websites, have long been a cornerstone of good web design. They provide valuable context, allow users to delve deeper into a topic, and establish trust by showcasing authoritative sources. However, when it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), outbound links can be a double-edged sword.
Here’s why some home watch companies might hesitate:
- Link Juice Dilution: Every outbound link on your website “passes” some of your website’s SEO value, known as link juice, to the linked website. While the NHWA is a reputable organization, the concern lies in unintentionally boosting their SEO at the expense of your own.
- Loss of User Attention: Each click on an outbound link takes a visitor away from your website. While you want them to find relevant information, the ideal scenario keeps them engaged with your content and ultimately leads them to contact you for services.
- Competition in SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages): You might be concerned the NHWA competes with your company for keywords related to home watch services. By linking to them, you might be unknowingly helping them outrank you in search results.
While these concerns are valid, it’s important to strike a balance. Outbound links do hold SEO benefits:
- Building Relationships: Linking to relevant and authoritative websites like the NHWA demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and fosters trust with potential clients.
- Improved User Experience: Providing additional resources can enhance user experience, which search engines favor.
The Non-Follow Link: A Strategic Compromise
The good news is there’s a way to mitigate the SEO drawbacks of outbound links while still fulfilling your NHWA membership requirements: non-follow links.
Non-follow links are hyperlinks that tell search engines not to pass on link juice or consider them for ranking purposes. While the user will still be able to click and visit the NHWA website, the NHWA website will gain zero benefit from it. Stop the NHWA from outranking you in Google!
Here’s how to implement non-follow links for the NHWA logo:
- HTML Code: When inserting the NHWA logo on your website, include the
rel="nofollow"attribute within the anchor tag. Here’s an example:
HTML
<a href="https://nationalhomewatchassociation.org/" rel="nofollow">
<img src="nhwa-logo.png" alt="National Home Watch Association Logo">
</a>- Contact Your Web Developer: If you’re not comfortable editing website code, consult your web developer to implement the non-follow attribute for the NHWA logo link.
Beyond Links: SEO Strategies for Home Watch Companies
While addressing the NHWA link issue is important, an effective SEO strategy goes beyond outbound links. Here are some additional tactics to improve your search engine ranking:
- Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that potential clients use to search for home watch services in your area. Use these keywords strategically throughout your website content, including titles, meta descriptions, and service pages.
- High-Quality Content: Create informative and engaging blog posts and articles that offer valuable information to potential clients. This establishes your expertise and keeps them coming back for more.
- Local SEO: Optimize your Google My Business listing with accurate information, positive reviews, and relevant keywords.
- On-Page Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, has fast loading times, and uses internal linking effectively.
- Technical SEO: Address technical aspects like site structure, robots.txt, and sitemap to improve search engine crawlability and indexability.
Building a Strong Online Presence:
Remember, SEO is a long-term strategy. By focusing on high-quality content, local optimization, and technical improvements, you can build a strong online presence that attracts potential clients.
By utilizing non-follow links for the NHWA logo, you can fulfill your membership obligations while minimizing the impact on your own SEO. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your web developer or digital marketing agency for further guidance in crafting a winning online strategy for your home watch business.
P.S.
I did reach out to Jack Luber, the founder of the NHWA, for his perspective on this requirement. Mr. Luber has not yet responded. Also, if you’re going to link your NHWA logo to the NHWA website, do not link it to the home page. Link it to your company profile page!
Great article. Giving NHWA ranking sucks (you agree to it when you join) it is one of the obvious ways NHWA is in the business of ranking the NHWA not your business. Sending potential customers away from your website to any website that lists your competitors is not smart business.
What do you see when you visit the NHWA website home page? No scrolling down, what are they promoting? This is what they want to be seen first/is the NHWA promoting your Home Watch business here or do you have to really search the website?
They are in the business of starting more businesses/competitors. NHWA sells memberships, instruction and insurance.