We post a lot on our blog about how to best aquire valuable incoming links, with nary a peep about the power of outbound links. Our unequivocal opinion is that good outbound links are a good thing, both for users and for search engines:
For Users
Helpfulness: Users will leave sooner or later. If you help them as they leave, they are more likely to return.Perceived Authority: Not sure if I've ever used the word "authority" in a non-SE context... but if a site links to other HQ sites, in my mind, that makes it more trustworthy to users.
For Search Engines
Hilltop Hub Points: If you link to topical authorities your site may get "hub points" from the Hilltop algo (or similar algo's)Good neighborhood: As martinibuster has said, your neighborhood is important to modern SEs. Outbound links may be as important in this as inbounds are.
Bottom line: good outbound links = good for your site.
I agree the best viewer is one that's happy and will come back. Good linking includes being appropriate for the topic. In some cases like mine building a good neighborhood works well.
ResponderEliminarThanks jack