Citations vs Promotional Links: 3 Tests to Spot the Difference

When writing an article, it's important to include citations and links to other sources. This not only helps with SEO, but also demonstrates to readers that your claims are backed by credible information. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between promotional links and legitimate citations. HackerNoon has outlined three tests to help determine the difference.

The first test is the Context Test. Look at the link and its surrounding text. If it's attached to generic filler text that doesn't require any backlink, it's likely a promotional link. For instance, "Best cloud platform to choose" is generic and doesn't need a citation, indicating a promotional link. On the other hand, if the link is attached to a specific claim, it's a valid citation.

For example, "According to RealNews.com, 96% of people like to make up statistics on the fly" is a legitimate citation as it provides evidence for the claim made.

The second test is the Swap Test. Consider if you could have used a neutral source instead. If swapping the source doesn't change the overall meaning, it could be a promotional link. For example, saying "Water has a slight blue tint" could have been backed by any neutral source like the U.S. Geological Survey, rather than a promotional site like SEOLinkStuffing.com. By swapping in a neutral source, your article appears more credible.

The third test is the Destination Test. When a reader clicks on the link, where do they end up? If the destination page is filled with promotional content trying to sell a product or service, it's not a reliable citation. A good citation should only provide information to support your claim, not promote a product. For example, clicking on a link that leads to a "Book a Demo" page rather than just containing informative content is a red flag.

By applying these three tests, you can ensure that your article includes only real sources and promotes credibility. Try these out on your next article on HackerNoon. For more writing tips, sign up for the HackerNoon Blogging Course.