When someone adds a link to your site it is a vote of confidence. Perhaps they are recommending you. Maybe they found some of your site content useful. Either way, it helps your site rank acting as a vote for your popularity. Some links happen spontaneously as an expression of enthusiasm. They are GOLDEN. You can work at link building, too. The more authority the linking site has, and the more relevant to your area of expertise, the more each link helps establish your authority and popularity.
How can you begin link building?
Cultivating links is a process that focuses on creating useful pages that solve problems for site visitors. What problem do you solve for your customers? If your site contains information about the problem and how you solve it, they will share it.
Reciprocal Links
Part of promoting your brand means linking to content from other trusted sources – even if those sources are your competitors or your advertisers. See if you can set up a win-win by offering something to them that will make them want to link to you. Take a look at these ideas:
1. Content contributors
If you use content or information from someone else, link to them. When you let them know you have “recommended” them with a link, perhaps they will reciprocate.
2. Bloggers
Find the experts and authorities in your field and link to them. Read their blogs, comment on their posts, and include a link back to your site. They’re likely to reciprocate – because they get a similar traffic boost.
3. Competitors
Yes, it’s uncomfortable. The web has made it so easy for your audience to compare sites and products. You may as well make it even easier – and show them that you have their interests at heart.
4. Vendors, advertisers, & referral partners
When you use editorial content and mention a company or business in passing, include a link to them. It is a service for a reader who wants more information. This is separate from paid placement. It is an extension of your natural content and information.
5. Associations
Most groups are hungry for content for their newsletters and blogs. Offer to provide a relevant article or story for them to publish, and remind them to link back to you when publishing the article. Choose associations and groups that are relevant to your industry for a more meaningful link.
6. Your Customers
When you add new content, ask your customers to share. When they spread the word, your rank gets a lift. This happens naturally when the content is really engaging. It helps you to reach a larger group, and is brand-building.
NOTE: Blackhat Link Building does not help you… such as buying links on a “link farm” or another scam. Remember it’s quality, not quantity! Aim high. Check out this basic history and definition of link building on Wikipedia if you want more! Or call Kerri.
