Copying Competitor's Link Backs?
-
Hello,
Is it a viable idea to copy competitors link structure? Imagine we manage a new site with low page and domain authority. Is okay to use the Link Tool and filter domains that link back to our competitor and then work our way up from low ranking directories and related sites?
Currently I am using RoboForm and trying to 'catch up' to a competitor in terms of link backs.
Additionally, I've been reading articles about whether submitting to directories is good, but if we see they have alright domain and page authorities, does it make sense to apply to them when our competitors are in them?
Much appreciated
-
-
SEOmoz's Open Site Explorer is all kinds of super awesome.
-
what is the best tool to use to find out who your compeditiors are getting links from
-
Thanks for the reply.
I now understand it's not the goal to be included in every directory out there.
I would like to add that by finding who links to my competitors I am able to learn about related industry directories, sites and bloggers. Is this the type of space that is recommended?
-
Totally agree with Doug on how to analyse. Try to out think your competition, not copy your competition is the best way to go about it.
If your best competition's backlink portfolio is built up with directories, then you should save yourself the trouble in copying all of their links. For the same amount of time you will take submitting to hundreds of directories you can be building good links, creating great content and being productive. Not to say all directories are bad, SEOmoz just published a list of trusted directories http://www.seomoz.org/directories If you must, submit to those or other relevant directories.
I have never used RoboForm before, but I looked at their site, it looks like it just makes it easier to copy stuff into forms? Its not a good idea to submit to directories using all of the same descriptions/info.
That being said, try reaching out by guest posting, rebuilding broken content & links, etc and only submit to trusted or relevant niche directories if you absolutely feel the need to.
-
Analysing your competitors backlinks is a great idea. I don't think you need to copy your competitors link structure exactly though.
As well as looking to identify immediate backlink opportunities, think a little broader...
Don't just focus on the specific sites that link back to your competitors. Look at how you might group and classify those sites to help identify other similar sites that even your competitor hasn't got backlinks from.
As well as looking at the sites that link to competitors, also look into why/how they are linking to your competition. You want to understand what reason they have to provide the link, what you can offer as an incentive (what content you need on your site) and how you can refine your request to be as compelling as possible. If you can offer something of value, and create a win-win scenario it may make things easier.
As far as directories go, if there are niche directories that your target audience would expect you to be present in, then it would be worth getting a listing. Getting links from low value directories can be easy, but the rewards are going to be less. I don't think I'd "work your way up from low ranking directories..."
Appearing in reputable directories along side your competition may help reinforce the perceived authority of the site. Prioritise your efforts on those backlinks that are likely to provide the greatest benefits.
Remember, it's not just about getting the backlinks to improve your rankings and as a result your organic search traffic. Good quality backlinks can provide highly qualified traffic.
Hope this helps, Good luck!
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
How Many Backlinks Can One build To Blog's Homepage Daily To Avoid Algorithm Penalties
Hello, Am new to blogging and also new to link building and things are pretty confusing for me right now, I was told by a friend that have spent years in the industry that the maximum number of Backlinks you should build for a domain to stay safe is 2 daily, but am seeing different thing on the internet, so I wanna know the exact number of quality Backlinks one can build to homepage daily to avoid penalties, please I need suggestions from pros. Sergio!
Link Building | | Gabriel50 -
What is the importance of root domains linking to your website in Google's rankings? I notice our competition has a much higher number on keywords I'm analyzing. Thank you!
I've noticed our competition has a much higher number of "root domains" linking to their page than we do. Is this simply a result of more websites linking to them? How long does it normally take to build up these numbers/rankings? (I'm assuming it's a concerted effort, which I'll be researching.) Thank you!
Link Building | | mjfinet0 -
If you discount a subscription when the client links to you, does that classify as a paid link?
For example, we all subscribe to MOZ, but if we received a 25% discount on our subscription if we linked back, would that be considered by Google as a paid link, or would it be seen as a sales tool / promotion?
Link Building | | JonathanSmith0 -
I'm hiring a link building company - need help choosing
I asked this question before and got mixed feedback. Companies vs. Freelancers. Well I have a couple questions here. At a certain point it is definitely worth going in house, but what about the knowledge that we could gain from working with a big agency? Does that really add any value? Can I hire a freelancer and trust him as much as a big agency? or vice versa? Can I hire an agency and trust them as much as a freelancer? I have also been advised to make sure they offer competitive / site analysis as a first step, AND inform you of exactly how many links they plan to build per month, how much time they will dedicate to you and your account, expect turn around times, and light strategy details that they would likely use. Thanks for any help! TA
Link Building | | TylerAbernethy0 -
Backlink's using duplicate content in article directories
I've had a link build report of all the links an SEO company have got us but a simple search for some of the content in Google with phrase match brings up about 3 pages of the same content posted to different article sites. I think it is doing something but will it just be penalised over time?
Link Building | | acs1110 -
Linking Root Domains V.s Total Links
When analysing a company's inbound links, what is more important to note: The number of linking root domains, or the total number of links? And why?
Link Building | | SEOrookie170 -
Why does my website have 2,000+ links, but only 16 linking root domains?
Why does my website have 2,000+ links, but only 16 linking root domains?
Link Building | | thestudio40 -
Finding competitor's 301's
Is there a way to find out what domains a competitor has 301'd to their main site? I am wondering if a competitor has hidden back links using a 301'd site.
Link Building | | EugeneF0