April 2009

10 Ways to Build Links (Part 1)

Most marketers already know how important it is to build links on other websites, pointing to their website. Not only is this a great way to drive traffic to the site (leading to sales), but it's critical for attaining high rankings in the organic search engine results. Google and other search engines look at the quantity and quality of inbound links when determining how to rank a site, and this factor is becoming more important all the time.

There are numerous ways to build links to a website. We're going to list 10 solid methods -- 5 in this newsletter issue and 5 next time.

  1. Create quality, unique content that others will want to link to. This is sometimes called "linkbait." This is, by far, the most effective way to build links because it doesn't require anyone to ask for links one by one. If you can create content that's relevant to your target audience, that they'll want to forward to others, then your content will have "gone viral" (or even get picked up by mainstream press) and you'll get links - perhaps even hundreds or thousands of them - without even asking. It's easier said than done, however - coming up with ideas for unique content can be the hardest part of the entire effort.

  2. Directory links. Directories are sites that categorize websites, and often charge a fee to be included. There are general directories (Open Directory Project and Business.com) as well as vertical directories that focus only on one industry (Real Estate Directory, Thomas Register's manufacturing directory). Google doesn't value all directories, however - before spending the time and money to submit your site to a directory, install the Google toolbar and ensure that the directory has a PageRank greater than 3 or 4, and that Google has actually indexed the page on which your link would appear.

  3. Press releases. We optimize press releases just like a web page, working targeted search terms into the content, as well as links to relevant content on the website. There are a number of no charge press release distribution services available, but we get the best results with PRWeb . They have one option that allows you to put search terms in the text of the links, which is ideal. The release is posted on the distribution service's website as well as other sites that publish news.

  4. Blogs. Search engines tend to rank blogs high, due to their frequently updated content. You can launch your own blog and link back to your corporate website (ideally with search terms in the text of the links). You can also build relationships with other bloggers in your industry and offer relevant reasons for them to link to your site.

  5. Promotions/Giveaways. If you can give away something (ideally, the product or service that you're selling), many other sites will want to link to you. Witness Cinnabon and MaggieMoo's Ice Cream giving away samples of their tasty treats on tax day this year. They've generated untold links (not to mention press coverage and customer goodwill) with their giveaways.

Unfortunately, link-building is time-consuming, hard work. That's one reason search engines rely so heavily on it when calculating a site's rankings. They know it's something that scam artists will find hard to fake, and the most trusted, quality sites just naturally tend to attract links over time. Next time, we'll cover 5 additional effective link-building methods.

About Us

Prominent Placement, Inc., is a full-service, award-winning search engine marketing firm based in Atlanta, GA, serving clients throughout the US since 2001. Competitively priced, we provide strategic search marketing solutions, delivering value and results that traditional marketing channels can't touch. We offer a level of client service that can't be matched, with a proven process that generates positive ROI. We manage the entire SEM process with senior level care, so that businesses can focus on what they do best. Our recommendations are tailored to the unique business challenges of each client, backed by hard numbers that give decision makers the confidence and knowledge to make smarter decisions.

For more information, visit our website or call 888.SEM.MKTR (888.736.6587).