Knowing value of inbound links and how they help your site rank higher in search engines is critical in developing a better online marketing strategy. Inbound links can really give your site a boost but how do you get them? Is there some secret formula? Not exactly. There are many ways to get more inbound links, but here are six of the most practical ways:
1) Do a Guest Blog.
Find a blog site you like, one that relates to your industry, of course. Study it and see what kinds of topics they cover. Then contact the blogger to ask if you can do a guest post. Pitch a different angle that they haven’t done before.
To really do this right, don’t move too quickly. Take some time to develop a relationship with the people who write about the subjects that relate to your business. When you develop a good rapport with those people, they’re much more likely to let you do a guest blog because they’ll know you. When you think about it, it’s the same with everything. People are more comfortable dealing with someone they know rather than someone who seems to come out of nowhere. Your chances are greater that they’ll let you—or even ask you—to do a guest blog for them.
2) Be Active On Social Media
One of the ways to build this rapport mentioned above is to be consistent on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Respond with thoughtful comments to people who have websites that would make sense to connect to yours.
Whatever you do, carefully consider what you post before posting it! Have something valuable to say, something that will intrigue others in your field and also help to position you as a knowledgeable person in your industry. This will help you build a following, and inbound links are more likely to follow when you already have an audience of fans.
3) Don’t Rule Out Reciprocal Links
This may not be the most popular way, but getting to know someone in your industry and asking them to exchange links with you isn’t always a bad idea, especially if they’re in the same, or similar, business. You’re more likely to run into trouble if their business has no connection to yours. Sometimes complimentary links work well, too. For example, a copywriter could include a link to a graphic designer on a page because it’s a package deal. A wedding planner could feature a catering business because they go together. You get the idea.
4) Generate Publicity
This is the oldest and maybe most obvious of all. Get yourself (or your business) mentioned on a major media site like a newspaper, etc. Send a press release about how your company is making news by doing something different, innovative, eco-friendly, etc. When YOU become the hot topic, others will want to link to you in order to increase their ranking!
5) YouTube
Make a video that’s interesting enough to get some buzz. YouTube can be an amazing tool to boost your fame. Keep in mind, this is one outlet that really depends on what your business is about. Companies that sell sneakers or make irreverent t-shirts can add humor or edgy videos to increase their marketability. In this case, you’ll have to use your judgment and awareness of your demographic to see if YouTube is right for you.
6) Show Off Your Expertise
There are websites where people ask questions about topics and experts provide answers. This is an excellent way to get noticed in your field. Yahoo! Answers and Google Groups are among the platforms you can use to answer questions. “What is the best way to get paint off my new carpet?” Or “Where can I find an environmentally friendly pesticide?” Your answer will prompt people to check out your website and your business.
Need more ideas to get inbound links? Contact us today.
