For some, “link building strategy” may conjure images of forgotten search engine optimization (SEO) tactics; weapons that once boosted rank, but now only irk Google. I’m referring, of course, to tactics like reciprocal link building (one-for-one link exchanges), paid link, article syndication, and link wheels.
While these strategies are no longer recommended, link building is still the most important component of SEO, with new tactics focused on delivering the very best user experience.
Check out some modern link building strategies that work:
Submit to Directories
One of the most effective ways to generate quality backlinks is to submit to major directories, including general web and business directories (DMOZ, Yahoo Directory, etc.), RSS feed directories, and those unique to your niche.
The more you submit, the more you will increase visibility to search engines and potential visitors.
Use Content as Bait
After Google’s recent Panda and Penguin updates, there has never been more incentive to work with high-quality, original content. The more great content you have, the easier it is to attract eyeballs.
Focus on using a mix of material, with infographics, videos, blog posts, and games as bait, and visitors will bite. Doing this on a consistent basis will help you generate natural links and increase overall traffic. Best of all, it will also help boost keyword ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs), since links will usually use the page’s title as anchor text.
Become an Authority
A funny thing happens when you produce, publish, and share quality content: people start to trust you. The more you focus on quality, the more authority you will gain in your niche, which will boost readership.
Frequency and consistency are important elements here, but it all comes down to the content.
Make the Most of Social Media
Social media can be a big boost to your search results, as the more mentions you have on social media, the more visibility your site will get. Research the influencers (the people and companies who have a lot of influence in your niche) on Facebook and Twitter. See what they’re doing and interact as much as you can. In the meantime, get busy sharing, replying/retweeting, and posting content that meets your standards.
Let Your Web Properties Work Together
Do you own and operate a number of sites, blogs, and microsites? Why not get them all working towards the same goal? Interlinking your web properties can help you increase your ranking power.
It’s necessary, however, to be strategic: Does it make sense to interlink your web properties? Don’t force something that doesn’t fit.
Now for Something New!
A unique tactic is to sponsor a free template on a CMS (e.g., WordPress or Joomla). I know, you’re thinking, “Laith, why would I do that?” The answer is that this somewhat unconventional strategy can have a tremendous impact. Creating a template (most developers would be able to create one) relevant to your niche can generate thousands of links with encrypted footer links. It will also give you the chance to submit sites to CSS galleries, which can help sculpt PageRank and absorb traffic.
Clearly, these strategies require a long-term approach. Still, keeping these tips in mind can help you adopt a modern, fully integrated online marketing strategy.
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
