New ways to get links (excluding on site link bait)?

[ref.price]

Fellow SEOs,

I’m looking for a new way to reach out to bloggers and site owners for links.

There are quite a few link bait techniques to lure bloggers thanks to = amazing content, infographics,...but there are not so many articles on ways to contact bloggers/webmasters and ask for links...

We all know that contacting site owners directly and politely asking then to place a link on their home page is as useful as a comb in Bruce willis’s hand.

Link exchange is as dead as the Dodo and business partner links are usefull and easier to get but opportunities are often limited.

I have been organizing contests for bloggers recently and it has been quite successful up to now, but I always like to have a spare trick up my sleeve.

So if any of you have a decent method to reach out to  bloggers/webmaster and get decent links please let me know, I will be forever thankful ; )

Cheers

[ref.price]

Thanks for your answers Daniel & Andy

But realistically isn’t it very time consuming to build quality relationships with each blog we would like to get a link from?

That almost sounds like a full time job to itself.

Would you say that 4-5 long time relationships with quality blogs is better that a one off “blogger competition” campaign  with 50 new backdomain links.?

Thanks for your time guys

[Andy.Drinkwater]

I think the key word in Daniel's reply above is "sustainable". There is no point in going after low hanging fruit that offers no on-going benefits. Also focus on other 'bloggers' who have something of a reputation and see if you can engage them as well.

Write an article and ask for input from others is something else that I find works well. People like the chance to be a part of a study etc.

Regards,

Andy

[DanDeceuster]

I posted to YOUMoz last week about this exact topic. Hopefully it gets moderated soon for you to study as it answers this perfect. It is called A New Perspective On Link Building. Look for it soon. Basic summary:

Relationships are the new links. Stop trying to get links. Just stop. Try to build relationships. Start a blogger battle over a contentious topic. Create a way to share ideas and content with others. Find ways to make someone else's site better. Do all in your power to build quality relationships and not only will the links come, you will have more influence in the blogosphere yourself. Never ask anyone for a link again. Ask them if you can provide value to them in some way. This is the only sustainable method to gaining links, influence and relevance online.