Getting Back Links When I Cannot Add Outbound Links to My Site

[dsinger]

I have a collection of websites that I do not control in terms of content or page creation/editing.  As a result, I have no way to add links to outside sites on any existing or new pages.  Given this, how can I go about finding and requesting other sites link back to our sites/pages if I cannot offer them a link to their site in return?  I know that content is a link driver, but I do not control the content, so I cannot develop new content to help drive links.

I appreciate any help/advice any experts can provide.

[vmialik]

reciprocal link building is significantly down-valued by Google which means it should not be a long term link building strategy. Some even consider it in the same pool as link farms etc.

Link-building like I said is an art its not a one on formula but different methods of outreach

this might help: http://moz.com/ugc/category/link-building

[ReferralCandy]

Hi Brad,

If I were you, I think my first concern would be to gain control of the collection of websites. Losing the ability to update content on a website and trying to perform SEO on it is like trying to sell an old product. It may work in the short run, but I don't think it will work in the long run if the content is outdated.

Back to your main question, trying to get backlinks in this case can be a tough exercise. Have you considered promoting your content through social media? If you have quality content, it is likely that it would be picked up by your followers. Submitting your website to quality business directories (if your site is a business site) may also help you get some backlinks.

[dsinger]

of course it makes sense.  my question is How do I find and get sites to link back to mine when I cannot offer a back link in return, not Can I get sites to link back to mine.  I am looking for advice on where to find target sites and how to contact them, including what words to say, to get them to add my links.

ps...i thought that reciprocal link building was still okay, as long as you are not part of a linking pool or purchasing links back to your site.  If i am building a relationship as my intent and that relationship includes link sharing, I would think Google does not mind this type of activity.  Is this not the case?

[vmialik]

Being in a position not to be able to give out links is a great thing in a way, because 1) mutual link methods are generally not allowed by google aka give me a link and Ill give you a link. 2) Links pointing to your site, without a link pointing to theirs gives you more link juice, then if you had to link to their content where the link juice would have to be shared with them.  Does that makes sense?

As far as getting people to link to your site its an art in itself its called link-building in the SEO world or generally getting the word out about your great content, and then people sharing, linking, getting the word out about your content.