Can you update me on the effectiveness of Google buying links from .edu and .gov sites?
Some time ago it was helpful, but is it still relevant or no longer impactful for Google?

The importance of links has decreased in search engines. It is advised to be cautious when purchasing links as they can lead to filtering. Additionally, search engines evaluate the quality of the linking site, including the number of outgoing links.
A better approach is to focus on building a natural link profile for better results.

Impact of buying links from .edu and .gov sites has changed quite a bit over the years. Originally, links from these domains were highly coveted because they were seen as authoritative and trustworthy. Google used to value these links highly because they came from institutions that were generally considered credible and not likely to link to low-quality or spammy sites.

However, Google's algorithms have become much more sophisticated since then. Nowadays, Google places a strong emphasis on the relevance and quality of content over the mere presence of a link from a prestigious domain. In other words, a link from a .edu or .gov site might have been a powerful signal in the past, but now it's just one of many factors that Google considers when evaluating a site's authority and relevance.

Google's algorithms now focus heavily on how well a link fits within the context of the content and whether it genuinely adds value to users. They are designed to detect and penalize manipulative practices, including the purchase of links. So, if you're thinking about buying links from .edu or .gov sites to boost your SEO, it's worth noting that such practices can be risky and may not have the same impact they once did. In fact, they might even lead to penalties if Google determines that the links were bought to manipulate search rankings.
The authenticity of the links is crucial. If Google finds out that you are engaging in link schemes or buying links, it can negatively affect your site's ranking rather than improve it. The current best practices involve earning links naturally through high-quality content and building genuine relationships within your industry.

Back in the day, these links were pure gold - high authority, major juice, and a solid trust signal in Google's algo. But, fam, times have changed. Google's gotten smarter with updates like Penguin and manual penalties, crаcking down on shady link-building tactics. While .edu and .gov links still carry some weight due to their domain authority (DA), the impact ain't what it used to be if they're bought or unnatural.

Google's all about relevance and context now, not just the TLD. If the link doesn't fit organically, it's a red flag, and you might tank your SERPs instead of climbing. Plus, getting caught in a paid link scheme can hit you with a penalty harder than a 404 error. So, while these links aren't totally irrelevant, the ROI on buying them is sketchy at best.