How do I get incoming links to my site?
This is a question on many site owner's minds, it only takes a few minutes to read up that search engines (in particular Google) regard inbound links as an essential factor when it comes to increasing those all important rankings. The tricky part is actually gaining them so here are a few tips....
Tip 1: Be "naturally" linked to
The most important factor in getting others to link to your site is having a site worthy of a link. In other words, have a site or page that a directory editor or site owner thinks would be of benefit to their audience.
The best way to do this is by having great content. Great content will draw people to your site. Great content will make people want to stay at your site. Great content will cause people to tell others about your site by linking to it.
It doesn't matter if your site is an information source or is selling something, you can provide great content with articles and reviews, etc.
Tip 2: Go Look for Links yourself - directories
After you've created a site worthy of a link, start by submitting to the directories. Hit the major directories, regional directories, and thematic directories. By submitting to directories a link will be added which goes to your site.
You can find relevant directories by searching.
e.g. "keyword" + "directory" or "best directories"
Tip 3: Go Look for Links yourself - exchange links
Next, look for quality sites that would be complimentary to your audience and ask if you can exchange links with them.
e.g. If you sell patio furniture, look for sites that sell gardening supplies and contact them about exchanging links.
The best way to contact a potential link partner is by visiting a site and looking for ways the site owner could naturally include a link to your site. If they don't have a suitable place to add your link, they are most likely not going to exchange links. This is why it is important to have a web resources/links page added to your site, this will mean there is a dedicated place to add links to other sites.
Tip 4: Go Look for Links yourself - paid site links
Paying for links is a good way of making sure you get a link on a quality website without you having to link back to their site. There are many websites out there which let you buy advertising space. Again search for sites which are of relevancy to your site. Gaining links from sites which aren't of any relevance is not advised as the traffic from these sites will not suit your website.
By Chris Hough, Online Marketing Expert and Founder of www.naturalranks.co.uk
Our business coaches are here to help. Find out more about our business coaching services or email us at [email protected] to arrange a chat with one of our coaches.
