By Steve Pronger
Well actually, linking isn't fun at all. In fact, it's quite tedious.
Seeking, responding to requests and adding links takes time and effort.
But, if you're not actively building links the RIGHT way you are going
to be left behind. In other words, your site will be "Lost in
Cyberspace". The plain fact is Google, and to a lesser extent, other
important search engines, reward sites with links from relevant and
important pages.
If you want your site to deliver lots of targeted search engine traffic
(and who doesn't?) there are two equally important factors:
1) lots of keyword-rich, search engine friendly content
2) lots of relevant, incoming links from the RIGHT sources
For real success you need to cover BOTH of these strategies. Don't
concentrate on one and not the other.
So, how do you go about building your links? It's not rocket science,
but as I said, it does take time and effort. From my own experiences,
here's what you should do:
1) Download and install the Google Toolbar:
http://toolbar.google.com/
This will show you the PageRank of the page you are viewing. PageRank is
a measure, rated from 1 to 10, of the "importance" that Google gives to
that page. There has been a lot written about PageRank. You don't need
to become obsessed with it but it IS an important consideration when
determining WHO to link to. A link from a PR-5 page is worth FAR more
than a PR-0 page.
2) Establish a resource or links directory for your site. This lets
potential link partners see that you are willing to exchange links. You
should make it clear on your links pages what your linking policy is
i.e. under what conditions you will agree to exchange links.
3) Your aim should be to build a resource directory that is relevent to
your business. Don't try to build a mini Yahoo with umpteen different
categories. Keep your directory focussed on your site theme. When you
first start out you will be inclined to link to anybody in exchange for
a link FROM anybody. This is a mistake. Be patient and choose your link
partners carefully.
4) Before requesting a link from another site, add that site to your
directory. Contact the webmaster and tell them you added their link
because you believe their site would be of interest to your visitors
(and so it should). Give the url where your link is located and ask for
a return link, along with instructions on how you would like your link
worded. NEVER demand by saying things like "if you do not link to us we
will remove your link".
5) If you have not received a reply after 2 - 3 weeks send a polite
follow up. Again, don't demand. No one is under any obligation to link
to you. If you do not receive a reply to your second request it means
that the webmaster does not want to link to you, or they are simply too
busy to respond. In that case, leave it and move on. I receive dozens of
link requests a day. Sometimes it takes me many weeks to get around to
responding. You'll go mad worrying about links that have not been
reciprocated. Your time is better spent.
6) When you receive a link request visit the site and check that it
meets with your requirements as set down on your link pages. Is it a
quality site with good content or just a "link farm"? If it doesn't meet
your requirements don't link to it.
The webmaster SHOULD have already linked to your site but be prepared to
overlook that breech of linking protocol if it's from a good quality,
high PR site.
7) Beware of webmasters who add your site to their "directory" which
turns out to nothing but a link farm i.e. has no useful content, just a
bunch of links, and asks you to link to an entirely different site, one
that HAS good content. These webmasters are playing you for a sucker.
The benefit is all theirs.
8) As I said in point #1, links from high PR pages are worth more than
links from low or no PR pages. Seek out high PR linking partners but
keep in mind it is the PR of the actual page your link is on that
matters, NOT the PR of the home page. In other words if the home page PR
is 5, but the page your link is on is several layers deep in the
directory, it will probably have a PR of 0 and be of little benefit to
you. Check the PR of the actual page your link is on, or is going to be
on, before agreeing to exchange links.
Each page on your links directory should be no more than one click away
from your home page, and your linking partner's site should be the same.
If your link is placed on a page which looks something like this -
directory/category/subcategory/subcategory with your link - you will
derive NO value from that link.
9) Be prepared to negotiate your links. Savvy webmasters understand the
value of links from high PR pages. If you add a link to a PR-0 page on
your site don't expect your link partner to put your link on a PR-6
page, and your link partner shouldn't expect the same from you. Exchange
value for like value.
When you first start out your site may not have any PR due to a lack of
incoming links. This reduces your bargaining power. However, you can
overcome this by getting your site listed in as many large business
directories as possible. Some of these you will have to pay, such as
Yahoo and Microsoft's Business Directory, but many others are free.
You'll find a good list here:
http://www.strongestlinks.com/directories.php
10) Be specific about how you want your link partner to link to you. It
is MOST important that the link to you contain your targeted keywords in
the anchor (linked) text. When I ask for a link to my site I don't want
the link title to be:
Steve Pronger Web Business Solutions
Instead, I ask for:
Create Website | Small Business Website Designer
or whichever keywords I am targeting at the time. A search for those
keywords at Google will illustrate my point!
11) And finally, here is an excellent resource to help you find quality
link partners. It's called Value Exchange, and will put you in contact
with like-minded webmasters:
http://www.stevepronger.com/value_exchange.htm
Steve Pronger is a website designer and
affiliate marketer helping small businesses achieve success on the Web.
Visit his Web Business Solutions site at
http://www.stevepronger.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
