What is the best way to obtain a large number of branded links in the fastest, most efficient way? White Hat only please.

[anvilmediainc]

Just foresee this issue coming up with a couple of clients and while I am preparing a strategy of my own, I felt it would be helpful to ask the community their thoughts as well.

[anvilmediainc]

Thanks Nakul - I have been considering circumstances and am simply preparing for if a client comes in post penguin with some major linking issues. Definitely some good ideas here.

[mytouchoftech]

Thanks for the knowem.com link.  I have to use it more, but it looks like a promising organizational tool.

[NakulGoyal]

As Ben and Alan have recommended, do something newsworthy. Think linkbait. However, before you do anything like that, I would suggest you look at your link profile and see if it makes sense to do something like this.

Have you been penalized for unnatural links ?
Do you have unnatural links ?

You could also have knowem.com or another agency or (DIY) signup on all social networking sites and have a lot of brand/follow/nofollow links. A natural link profile contains all kinds of links and not too many of 1 particular kind of links. I hope this ignites some thoughts and ideas.

[AlanBleiweiss]

Building on what Ben suggests, there's contests, giveaways, and highly incentivized promotions - all strong paths when executed properly.  And for all of these, you can cross-promote them across all social media points, as well as generate press coverage under the right circumstances.

[BenFox]

Sue Google.

Do something really noteworthy/or outrageous/controversial that doesn't stink like a PR stunt then I see no reason why you wouldn't reap the rewards.

Maybe hire someone like Michael O'Leary of Ryanair to stoke up the controversy? (I'm only half joking)