Link Building – 5 Simple Ideas that Still Work

Though the landscape of SEO has changed greatly over the past year or two, link building is still an important component.  Google’s algorithms continually change (paid links and spun content are now a very bad idea), but the overall principles stay the same.  Google looks at the number and quality of backlinks to your site in determining its rank on the search results pages.  Google wants to see quality sites (not spam) linking back to you, giving your website apparent authority on the web.

For many people, this task may appear overwhelming and they don’t know where to start.  If you’re having trouble getting started, here are five simple ideas for link building that you can benefit from.

1. Guest blog on other related sites – Lots of blogs look for guest authors, and most will let you link back to your site.  Find a blog in your industry and ask if they’re looking for guest posts.  If they are, write something that their readers would be interested in and shows your expertise.  You will typically be able to put a link to your site in the article, and the site owner will often promote your article, giving you extra exposure.  The site will often get extra traffic from exposure to your network, and they benefit by not having to come up with additional content.  It’s a win-win!
2. Get involved in industry networks – Bottom line: friends link to friends.  Get to know people within your industry network.   Relationships often lead to links.  Don’t forget that most networks have directories, marketplaces, and other resources that can (and should) link to you as well.  Clearly, the value of industry networks is far greater than a couple of links, and for other benefits you may already be a part of one.  Maximize the value of the groups that you’re a part of, and see what other possibilities exist.
3. Send out press releases – Press releases link back to you, and often network with many other sites that do the same.  One press release could result in a multitude of links, especially if there is something that people want to hear about.  If you want them to point to you, you need to let people know about the things you are doing that are special.  Press releases can make that happen.  Get your message out!
4. Ask your customers – Have a satisfied customer?  They may be happy to link to you.  Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
5. Learn from what your competitors are doing – It’s likely your competitors have other sites linking to them.  Find out what they are.  By reviewing what’s helping your competitors, you can find many opportunities for new links to your site.  Even if you can’t duplicate some of the links, it will give you great ideas about where to look.  Just remember that if you only copy what your competitors do, you’ll only get the same result.  This is a supplement, not a solution.

Link building takes time and is an ongoing process.  There are many more techniques used for link building, but this should get you started.  Don’t forget that the best thing you can do is make sure that your website and content are worth linking to.  That will make the whole process easier and may even result in links from people who just happen to come across your content.

If you’re looking for more help with link building and other SEO services, get in touch with us.  We’d love to talk.

About The Author

We specialize in b2b, supporting the clients who are the "The Brands Behind the Brands." These are the supply chain partners of brands, either in Tier 1 or Tier 2 positions, who drive value through the delivery of goods, services and technologies. We enjoy blogging about all things related to Branding, Marketing, Inbound, Tradeshows, etc... And we're always happy to talk about any ideas you may have that might Get You To Your NEXT!