Most probably you are aware that to keep your website free from search engine penalties is one of the key issues you need to resolve. But what you probably are unaware of are the SEO guidelines in regard to some less discussed items, such as sponsored content, e-commerce partnerships as well as partner links

 However, these are presented below in concise form for easy assimilation.

 SEO guidelines for Sponsored Content: Though previously Google never approved of sponsored content (since it is paid content), the search giant’s current attitude has somewhat been sobered up now because most companies are freely encouraging sponsored content instead of direct advertising. On one hand, it provides interactive type of product information for the users while on the other, it popularizes the company for providing general information. For instance, a company that sells woolen socks for use in colder states often provides useful information about foot care during the winter months.

However, there are a few online SEO rules you must follow if you intend to use sponsored content on your website, yet remain miles away from penalties.

• NoFollow: Make sure that links within sponsored content are NoFollow. The reasons are pretty simple – none of the search engines want content that is paid for to rank on SERPs as they want earned links there. NoFollow links suit that purpose well.
• Google News: Also make sure that sponsored content is not in your Google News sitemap. Although Google News insist articles to have a sponsor, it abhors articles written exclusively for a sponsor.

• SEO guidelines for Partner Links: Unlike sponsored links, Partner links are neither paid for nor are earned. Nevertheless, sometimes they are there when the company is considered a partner of the website. However, these links work pretty well when it come to seeking for new customers and building up audience. Incidentally, you need to consider a few points in regard to this issue, such as:

 (x) Consider the nature of the partner link. Merely having a link to another company on your page may not be taken up as a partner link. It has to be fairly consistent. In fact, in most cases, you need to communicate to the owner of that website where you intent to link since you are on the receiving side of it. Treat it as a link exchange to make it more fruitful in digital promotion.

(y) Think in terms of NoFollow when considering partner links. Even though Google could not care less about these types of links yet the question of being devalued is very much on the wings.    

(z) No matter whether you wish to decrease the number of your partners links or set them to NoFollow, you need to let your partners know of it. Only then would you come to know the actual state of affairs in regard to your partner links.

SEO guidelines for Ecommerce Partnerships: Ecommerce content, as well as links within that content is generally found in the shape of reviews, guides, etc for any specific product. Partnering with any Ecommerce site tantamount using affiliate links within your content which seldom works with Google. The only solution lies in treating these links like sponsored content, using NoFollow. At least there is nothing wrong with a NoFollow tag; am I right?