Glossary/Backlink exchange
Backlink exchange — definition
A backlink exchange is a reciprocal agreement where two sites publish contextual links to each other. Editorial context does not guarantee compliance: excessive reciprocal exchanges and links created primarily to manipulate rankings can violate search policies. Search engines may discount links or take action against participating sites.
Why it matters for indie developers
Relevant mentions can help readers discover a product. Choose links for their usefulness to the reader rather than a promised return link or ranking gain; relevance alone does not certify search-policy compliance.
ProofSwap no longer offers backlink as an exchange type. Your activated listing has a public project page that links to your site. The link is dofollow once you have given proof to at least one other founder; payment never grants it. Search engines decide whether to crawl, index, or use a page or link in rankings. Participation does not guarantee indexing, ranking benefits, or a permanent backlink.
Related terms
Go deeper: Read: link qualification and search risks