Top Sites are thematic lists of web sites (for example, pencil drawing sites). The list order is compiled according to votes (hits) "in", so the member sites with the most votes appear at the top of the list, and theoretically receive more hits "out" from visitors to the Top Site.


Evaluate a Top Site before joining

Remember that Top Site membership is a form of link exchange: they just happen to provide and utilise a count of visitor traffic. Top Sites with a large number of members (who all link to the Top Site) can be expected to have a higher PR than those with few members. Therefore, simply being listed with a popular Top Site will enhance your web site's PR (see link exchanges for an explanation of PR). However, don't reject small Top Sites simply because they are small - they may grow!

Top Sites where the number of hits "in" exceed hits "out" may not be the best sites to join (the input is greater than the return). This can also be an indication of Top Site members repeatedly clicking their own links to gain a higher position in the list, which encourages/requires you to behave similarly!

Adult Content is prevalent on a number of Top Sites. You may wish to avoid this? Always take a look at the types of site listed before adding your site.

Link placement and banners

Member sites displaying a banner attract more visitors than those with a text description only. Before joining a Top Site, make an attractive banner for your site (normally 468 x 60 px).

Top Sites require you to install a voting code, and click that link in order for your site to be listed. Don't waste time joining a Top Site if you do not intend to install the voting code. You site will never appear on the list.

If you want your visitors to click a Top Site link (placing a vote for your site and moving it up the listing), you will need to put the Top Site's banner somewhere visible on your web site.

Maintenance of your Top Site membership

Most Top Sites reset on a monthly basis (i.e. the counts are reset to zero). Some reset on other frequencies. Most Top Sites suspend inactive members (i.e. member sites that have not sent any traffic to the Top Site in a given period - say 3 months). You need to be aware of reset frequencies, and click your own link to the Top Site once in a while to remain listed.

Member cheating is common. Don't join in. Top Site etiquette permits one click per day from a member. Many Top Sites have anti-cheating devises which place a limit on the number of clicks per visitor.

It is common for Top Site members to change the address of their banners, and forget to log-in to their Top Site account and amend their details. Missing banners will discourage visitors.

Resources

Work SmART Artists has it's own Top Site - Commission a Portrait. Please feel welcome to join if you are a portrait artist.

Commission a Portrait

Here is a list of Top Sites Work SmArt Artists has joined. Clicking any of the links in this section will give you the option to register a vote for Work SmART Artists.

Because this web site does not have a "top level" domain address, options for joining Top Sites are very limited (a down-side for free hosting).

Would you like to make a contribution to the content of this page? Email:Johnburtonart@SPAMgmail.com. Remove the word SPAM for correct address, and put "Work SmART Artists" as your email subject title. Full credit will be given to contributors.