One of the old-school search engine optimization techniques was exchanging links. The idea was to get as many links as possible in exchange for giving out one of your own. It was successful, at least at first. Once Google began cracking down on link hubs the fun was over, and thousands--if not millions--of web sites were punished as a result.

So search engine optimizers came out with another way to exchange links--three ways.

A three way link exchange is essentially: Site A links to Site B and Site C links to Site A. This way search engines have no clue what is going on. Or, that is the point at least.

The problem is, Google is getting better and better at sniffing out all types of link exchanges. The bot is trained to look for patterns. If there is a pattern of Site B receiving links from sites which Site C link to, the links will be discounted and possibly penalized.

Of course, this isn't the case as of now. Google and other search engines are almost clueless of this. In the future however, they will know.

So if you are a man who wants quick results, now is the time to begin a three-way link exchange campaign.

Keep in mind though, not all link exchanges will be worth it. Be sure to ask what the third site is and where the link will be. Many times site owners try to rip off link exchange partners with placing the links within a directory, a bad neighborhood, or with a nofollow attribute.

Get as much information as possible. Do your research, and stay safe.