Basic Link Building Tips and Ideas
Search engine optimzation used to be focused on making your page content "optimizied" for search engines. Some would argue this is the core focus of SEO today. Unfortunately Google publically states they examine well over 200 factors when determining where to rank websites in their results. Luckily for website owners we know that a majority of these ranking factors are related to how your website links to other content.
There are three main types of links on the internet.
- Internal Links
- Outbound Links
- Inbound Links
These links are when a website links to other pages within the same website. Navigation bars are a common example of an internal link of a website. It's important that you website have a clear internal linking structure to help search engines understand which pages are most important and which pages are least important
Outbound links occur when a website links to a different website. These are often related websites or references. When you link to another website it is an indication to Google that you find their content valuable. Linking to relevant sites in your industry or niche may serve as an indicator to Google where to categorize your website.
Inbound links occur when another website links to your site. Google typically will see these links as an indication your website has valuable content. The more links your website has the higher your website will show in search results. The best type of links to generate to your website are relevant one way inbound links. This means a website that is about a similar subject is linking your site but your site is not linking back to their content. There are many other types of linking methods but we are going to focus on generating one way inbound links to your pages.
How Do I Get People to Link to My Website?
A great website has unique valuable content that people are naturally attrached to link. Keep this in mind as you start to generate your pages. Try to create some innovative content that is useful to the web community. Leverage your expertise to create quality content.
With that said, even the best website ever won't generate links if users don't find it in the first place. We need to jump start the linking process by going out and creating links at other websites.
We can create links by going to websites that allow users to submit content. We are going to focus on directores, forums, articles, and blogs.
Directory Submissions
Directory websites are the yellow pages of the Internet. These sites contain lists of websites arranged by cateories. There are two main types of directories: paid and free. There are hundreds of these website that vary greatly in value. Most of the website will allow you the submit the URL, Business or Website Name, and a brief description. DMOZ.org is the most notable free directory and should be the first place you submit your website information.
How Do I Find Directories?
The easiest way to find directories is to use Google. Start you focus on directories related to your industry by searching using terms like: <keyword> directories, <keword> free directories, <keword> directory website, best <keyword> directory
Free Directories
Everyone loves free right? These websites are great places to start picking up inbound links to your website. Submitting your website to a directory doesn't guarantee the site will be listed. You can increase the chance of your acceptance by following a few simple tips.
- Take time to find the appropriate category
Directories aren't very valuable if the website contained are well organized. Submitting your site to the wrong category is a quick way to ensure your listing will be denied.
- Don't keyword stuff
Embedding your keyword into a link undoubtedly helps improve your ranking but if your listing isn't approved there won't be a link. Don't try to bend the rules by changing your business name or website name to a target phrase. Links that don't contain keywords are more valuable than links that don't exist
- Avoid services that offer thousands of submissions
While your submitting your website to directories you will likely see advertisements offering thousands of submissions for a small charge. Most of these services don't adhere to the rules above which means your likely paying for thousands of directory owners to reject your submission. After doing a few submissions you are likely to want a better solution. We recommend using SubmitEaze to quickly submit your website to hundreds of directories manually.
Paid Directories
You are likely to noticy that many directories ask for a small fee or link exchange in return for a listing. Link Exchanges or Reciprocal Linking with a directory website is likely to do more harm than good. As a general rule avoid these websites.
We recommend the following paid directories. These directories are heavily trafficked and can result in new visitors to your website. They also considered trusted sources of information by many search engines which can help organic rankings. Click on any of the banners below to vist their websites.
Best of the Web
Best of the Web is the as advertised the Internet's oldest directory. Links from this directory help establish your website as a reputable member of the internet and not just another spam site.
Business.com
Business.com is one of the most respected directory listings. This website serves as a portal to connect your business to your customers.
Yahoo! Directory
The Yaho! directory is another great place to submit your business website information.
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