As discussed last week, link building is essential to increasing traffic and rankings on the internet. Not all links are created equal though, and links from high quality, high page rank sites are worth more value. Search engine algorithms place a high value on trustworthiness, and assume that the higher the page rank of the site, the more it can be trusted. Links from sites with a high page rank can be difficult to attain so it is important to have a strategy in place. Networking and promoting your site online for the purpose of link building can be effective, and it’s important to be genuine and courteous in your efforts. Below are some places to start making relationships.
Blogs – Look for blogs that are relevant to your business. Use Google’s Blog Search to find blogs with industry specific terms. Spend some time reading some posts, and when you feel confident make some comments on posts. Do not mention your business or purpose initially. Spend some time building the relationship with the blogger and contribute to their blog community, then find ways to work in your services.
Forums – The etiquette of using forums is similar to that of blog commenting. Contribute to the community before trying to pitch your own business. Be helpful and genuine and you will eventually find ways to promote your business.
Social Networking Sites – Smaller niche groups exist within the larger social networking sites. Look for these groups and try to join. Actively participating will increase your trustworthiness and keep you updated within your industry.
Industry Suppliers – Most suppliers have websites and if you are utilizing their products it may be appropriate to ask for some support in return. Look through their website and determine if they are linking to other buyers or businesses in the industry. If they are, try writing or calling to see what you have to do to be included on their site.
Directories – Search for directories that list or specialize in your industry. There are dozens of free ones online and the process of submitting is typically simple. Prepare your contact and business information ahead of time, and copy/paste while filling out forms with the details.
Blogs – Look for blogs that are relevant to your business. Use Google’s Blog Search to find blogs with industry specific terms. Spend some time reading some posts, and when you feel confident make some comments on posts. Do not mention your business or purpose initially. Spend some time building the relationship with the blogger and contribute to their blog community, then find ways to work in your services.
Forums – The etiquette of using forums is similar to that of blog commenting. Contribute to the community before trying to pitch your own business. Be helpful and genuine and you will eventually find ways to promote your business.
Social Networking Sites – Smaller niche groups exist within the larger social networking sites. Look for these groups and try to join. Actively participating will increase your trustworthiness and keep you updated within your industry.
Industry Suppliers – Most suppliers have websites and if you are utilizing their products it may be appropriate to ask for some support in return. Look through their website and determine if they are linking to other buyers or businesses in the industry. If they are, try writing or calling to see what you have to do to be included on their site.
Directories – Search for directories that list or specialize in your industry. There are dozens of free ones online and the process of submitting is typically simple. Prepare your contact and business information ahead of time, and copy/paste while filling out forms with the details.
