Cross linking sites on same shared host

[alexcruncha]

I have just read a few things to suggest that Google penalises sites that cross link to each other if they have the same IP address (basically all websites are on the same shared hosting account).

Is this true? Does anyone have experience of this?

[thebookiesoffers]

yes, it could be a disaster, I've never had it but read many that have. There is nothing wrong with linking one of your sites to another if it will help the users or be relevant, but if you just cross link all your site you are just creating a large link wheel that will get you in bother

[Frank Benjamin]

Matt Cutts discussed this on this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlNPR...eature=related

What I get out of this is that as long as you develop the sites, make them somewhat original and offer value, it is ok.

Now I wouldn't try having a network of 100 sites on one domain all interlinking. But in theory, as Matt says, as long as it makes sense it should be fine.

Here is an interesting read about virtual host vs dedicated IP addresses:

http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/myth-b...-ip-addresses/

[Jay_v]

You should be fine as long as you don't over do it. Just make sure both sites are related niche.

[TravG]

I cross link many of my sites. Mainly linking back to my main site. I use a dedictade IP's for all my sites, does that make any difference?

[alexcruncha]

I originally posted this as I did have several sites hosted on the same IP that were cross linking and I believed it was a mistake, which has been confirmed. From what I understand cross linking multiple sites with dedicated IP's is OK, but cross linking sites on the same IP is not. If all those sites cross linking have the same owner listed on the WHOIS details there is potentially a risk but provided you are on different servers it is probably a low risk. Nevertheless I have read somewhere that its best to use privacy on your WHOIS so you dont show your owners details as they can be matched up but dont know if this is going too far.

[lots0]

...Nevertheless I have read somewhere that its best to use privacy on your WHOIS so you dont show your owners details as they can be matched up but dont know if this is going too far.

Google is a Domain Registrar... You can't hide domain ownership from them, they know ALL the info of the actual registrant of the domain.

If your using Google webmaster tools, they already know the info on who owns the domain.

The only good reason to hide your whois info is to help stop spammers from hitting your business address, imo.