Successful search engine optimization employs many factors. However, one of the most important factors is the anchor text of inbound links. Because Google, among other search engines, puts a significant amount of weight on the anchor text of inbound links, anchor text can be a decisive factor when going after top ranking on extremely competitive search terms.

Precisely how powerful is anchor text of inbound links? It is entirely possible to achieve top ranking for extremely competitive keywords without any hint of on-page-elements SEO.

Monster.com currently sits in the #1 spot for the search term Jobs. The word "jobs" does not even appear on that page in text form; the only occurrence is once in the form of ALT text.

Search Google for Computers. At this time, six of the top ten pages do not contain the word Computers in the page copy. They are there solely due to anchor text of inbound links.

Search Google for Profit. At this time, 7 of the top ten pages do not contain the word Profit in the page copy. They are there solely due to anchor text of inbound links.

Search Google for Promote. At this time, 5 of the top ten pages do not contain the word Promote in the page copy. They are there solely due to anchor text of inbound links.

Search Google for Advertise. At this time, 6 of the top ten pages do not contain the word Advertise in the page copy. They are there solely due to anchor text of inbound links.

Search Google for Click. At this time, 9 of the top ten pages do not contain the word Click in the page copy. They are there solely due to anchor text of inbound links.

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