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Incorporating
Inbound Links in Your Linking Strategy
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Over
the past six months, Google has been making some drastic changes
to their algorithms. The last two major updates, Florida and Austin,
have wreaked havoc on some high-ranking Web sites, sending both
site owners and search engine optimization experts into a frenzy.
However, every cloud has its silver lining, as the saying goes.
With each update, search engine optimization experts learn more
about what the search engines want. This time, the focus is on
linking strategies. Today, all the buzz is centered around inbound
links, and we'll show you how you can create them to increase
your search engine ranking.
Focus your search engine optimization efforts on building non-reciprocal inbound links -- links from other Web sites to your Web site. Let's take a look at some strategies you can use to increase the non-reciprocal inbound links to your Web site: 1. Obtain non-reciprocal inbound links from other Web sites. If your site may be of value to another site, go ahead and ask them to include your link on their site. For example, if your site focuses on career management and resume writing services and you have dozens of articles related to the job search, consider contacting industry association sites. Let them know you have some great articles that may be of benefit to their members. If they won't link to your home page, ask them to link to your main content page that lists your articles. Many sites have an informational resources page which includes Web sites of interest. 2. Include text hyperlink ads in your search engine optimization strategy. You'll notice more and more sites doing this. By purchasing a text hyperlink ad, a link to your site will be prominently placed on another site, usually on their home page or run-of-site, using your most important keywords. Search for sites that have hundreds of pages that have PR rank in Google. Many times these sites will have an "advertise here" link that provides you with their advertising information. If not, simply use their Contact Us page to send your inquiry. The cost for these ads will vary, ranging anywhere from $100 to $1000. 3. Submit your Web site to the major directories. A directory is a searchable subject guide of Web sites that have been reviewed and compiled by human editors. On the contrary, search engines use software programs, commonly referred to as "spiders", to review Web sites. Two of the most widely known directories are Yahoo and the Open Directory Project. If you are listed in one of these directories, you can increase your chances of getting ranked high on some search engines, including Google. Many search engines like to see a site is listed in a directory because in order to be listed in a directory, a live human editor reviews your site, therefore giving it their "seal of approval". 4. Write and distribute articles. Hundreds of thousands of Web sites are looking for content to produce on their Web sites. You can contribute your articles for distribution through many article distribution Web sites. Here's how it works: you sign up with an article distribution site (these are free sites). Your article gets published, complete with your bio and URL. By doing so, you have the option to give other Web sites permission to use your articles on their Web site. One condition is that they must include your name and URL on their site when reprinting your article. So, if writing is your forte, this can be an excellent way to get your link out there. Some of the more widely known article distribution sites are: http://www.goarticles.com and http://www.BusinessToolchest.com. 5. Newsgroup postings. A newsgroup is part of the Usenet news system. Newsgroup is a discussion that takes place online, devoted to a particular topic. The discussion takes the form of electronic messages called "postings" (or articles). Join discussions related to your product or service. Offer advice and information and maintain a presence in these forums. Some newsgroups may have specific rules about self-promotion, so be sure to check out their guidelines before posting. It is considered spamming to overtly promote your products and/or services to newsgroups. One low-key bit of self-promotion that is allowed is to sign off on your messages using your signature file. This enables you to tactfully denote your URL, while still adhering to the group guidelines. 6. Write an online press release. Writing and distributing a press release is one of the most effective ways to generate publicity for your business. There are an increasing number of online press release distribution sites, many of which are free. The most widely known are http://www.prweb.com and http://www.onlinepressreleases.com. We've
provided you with some alternative search engine optimization
strategies for creating non-reciprocal inbound links. Select
one or two to begin with and work on perfecting them. Not only
will you be creating inbound links, but you will also be increasing
your search engine ranking.
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