A link wheel, also known as a “link wheel,” is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that aims to boost a website’s visibility by creating external links, called backlinks, on dedicated websites. It typically consists of a set of 6 to 12 sites specifically designed to drive traffic to the main website being promoted, also known as the “money site.” These satellite sites should offer content that aligns with the main site’s theme.

The sites included in a link wheel can be diverse, with their own domain name or hosted on blogging or Digg-like platforms. In the case of hosting platforms, it is essential that the links be dofollow. It is common for the sites in the link wheel to be interconnected, although this interconnection is not necessarily reciprocal. Sometimes, to confuse search engines, links may also point to sites other than the money site.

Linkwheel creators employ various measures to avoid detection by search engines like Google of intentional link manipulation. They vary hosting providers, IP address ranges, and other technical elements. Linkwheels can be complex, integrating multiple levels and forming a network of interconnected sites pointing to the main site.

Examples illustrating classic linkwheels, as well as multi-level configurations, demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy. Some professionals have specialized in setting up linkwheels, offering services dedicated to this practice.