SEO Gold: Referrals
In the first post in this series, we talked about links—internal, outbound, and inbound—as the secret SEO sauce. In this post, we’ll look at how and where to build good backlinks that will give your site a boost in organic search engine optimization.
Getting Started with Backlinking
Backlinks, also called inbound links, are links from other web properties to your web property. In order for the backlink to convey some of its authority to your website, the site it comes from should ideally also have very good inbound links.
Alexa, which provides rankings and other website information, can show you exactly what authority a site has:
So if you run a site that sells dog training tools and techniques, a link to your site from CNN – where your revolutionary dog training practices were just featured – would be extremely valuable and should give you a big boost in search engine results page (SERPS).
Of course, getting a link from a site like CNN will take some serious effort on your part, but it can be well worth the time and energy you put into it.
1. Site directories
Directories are a good place to start building backlinks. You can start with Yahoo or DMOZ or just start by searching Google for directories in your industry. Getting listed in directories is usually free, but it may take some time for your listing to appear.
2. Forums
You may already know of several forums that are well-known and respected in your industry. A search for “dog training forums” brings up over 8 million results! Do your research and find out if any of the forums on the first page of the SERPS are ranked well by Alexa. You also want to make sure the forum allows backlinks. After registering for this forum, actively participate in the discussions – be helpful so that your posts (with their valuable links!) are not considered spam.
3. Press releases
Every time your business sends out a press release online, you are creating valuable backlinks to your site. Make sure your anchor text includes your site name (or is otherwise relevant) and send regular press releases about your products and services.
4. Linked Websites
If your business or service is closely related to another website, you can approach the webmaster to include your site in their blogroll or place your web ad on their page. Obviously, you may be paying for this type of inbound link to your site, but it can still be quite valuable.
Depending on whether or not a particular site allows link comments, you may also comment on other related sites where your expertise or offer adds value to the article or post you are commenting on. However, keep in mind that many sites have “nofollow” links, which means that you will not benefit from that site’s ranking.
5. Article Directories
Article marketing is a standard method of building backlinks to your website. Find a good article directory where you are comfortable posting your content and post your articles there regularly. Every time you post, include a backlink to your site so people can find you easily and your site will get the benefit of a well-thought-out backlink.
#SEO #Gold #Referrals
