Best way of starting link building to a new website?

[AlexBarnes]

I am doing SEO for a security keyholding company and would like to build up some quality links from related and high PR sites. Submitting profiles to directories is incredibly time consuming.

I am thinking of outsourcing a link building campaign to a link building company, but know Google advises against this.

Does anyone recommend a cost effective and ethical link building service out there?

Or are there any link building techniques to use that will help me out?

What I want to be sure of is that a link building campaign won’t get my websites penalised in search engines and the links are from quality and related websites.

Many thanks in advance

[emediaSEO]

I'd be really careful with the directories - make sure you are only submitting to high quality sites.  Being on too many low quality directories is a good way to attract the attention of the Penguin.

I think a press release is a good way to start.  You can have one written about the launch of the site.  Use a high quality service like PRWeb.com.  Expensive, but will only get you quality links.  There is also the chance it gets picked up by some reputable news sites.  That's when you see those beautiful little spikes of traffic in analytics

[AlexBarnes]

Thanks for your responses. Some useful suggestions. I'm not sure if I have the resources to hire a virtual assistent just yet, but will keep it in mind.

In terms of link bait, what has worked well for you?

[DavidKonigsberg]

I would try to create some sort of link bait and submit to the main niche directories for the space - we have had some nice success from infographics and the like. Guest post work well as well

[rmontanez]

IMHO, there is no simple/short way.  This is the part that is time consuming, but it is worth it.  I always hesistant to trust this process to someone I do not know.

I usually start with a good plan.

1. Find potential High Quality sites - (going for quality not quantity)
2. Develop a tracking process (Excel or other cloud service).
3. Contact the sites, personalize emails and provide value to them.  It must be a win-win for both parties (Please note that win-win does not have to be reciprocal links).
4. Rinse and Repeat.

I would suggest that instead to paying for a 3rd party to build the links, create the plan and hire a virtual assisstant.  Give them a to do list and monitor performance.

That way you can oursource the repetitive process (e.g. submitting to directories, etc.) and have a good control on your link building process.