Linkbait Ideas

[Tmgale]

Hi,

I currently am trying to obtain links to build up the authority of my website. I am outsourcing content to be created by professionals as I am not the best when it comes putting together a piece of content worth linking to.

My business build and design garden buildings that are used for a number of uses such as garden offices,gyms,therapy rooms, playrooms the list goes on. I have already had a piece of content created called '3 ways a garden office can boost productivity'.

We also put a swimming pool in one of our rooms which is quite innovative in our industry, I am going to create a blog post  about it.

I have identified garden design, gardening & home improvement as relevant topics and this is who I will be targeting to link to my contact. In this case I have identified a home improvement blog I would like to obtain a link from  'http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/'. The question is how do obtain this link? What is the best way to approach them?

Kind Regards,

Tom

p.s. my website is www.ecobode.co.uk

[TomVolpe]

Directories and forum posts as easy backlinks are being devalued more and more by google, so there often isn't a lot of SEO value for these links.

Just have a look at this video on searchenginewatch: http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2326161/Matt-Cutts-Using-Article-Directories-for-Links-Just-No

But that's not to say that forums and directories don't have their place in a natural link profile, but you want to select decent directories and forums based on whether or not they will send the traffic you want to your site. For example, directories called things like "seobacklinkdirectory" or "freeseolinks" that promise followed indexed backlinks probably aren't being used by humans to find websites, but by SEOs wanting free back links. These sorts of links are not going to benefit your business or your site.

But a nice niche directory where your audience will search for businesses like yours could add value, and maybe lead to some conversions. The same applies for forum posting - if you're adding value with your comments and subtly linking back to your site every now and again, you'll drive relevant traffic to your site which has the potential to convert. If you're dropping 100 links into a different forum each day before they ban you, you're probably not going to see any benefit.

[Tmgale]

Thanks for the responses guys,

As I previously stated I am outsourcing content creation so I am going to try and focus on content ideas as you have mentioned. Great content by itself wont magically gain links, its the dilemma of how to promote your content effectively to gain links. Being a fairly new business we do not have a massive social media following to promote content, it seems that I will have to identify potential link sources and approach them in the manner that has been suggested.

In terms of 'easy links' are directors and forum posts worth it? Its seems to be the consensus that gaining quality over quantity is the best outlook when building links.

Once again I would like to thank you for your input

p.s. Is it best to send from my personal email or my professional one i.e. info@ecobode.co.uk

[TomVolpe]

Hi Tom,

I agree with David on this - the best way to obtain links to your content is to create linkworthy content.

If the content you create is interesting, value-adding and answers a question that your industry/readers are asking then it should naturally acquire links. You will also find that you pick up links if you have content on your site that is seen as a great industry resource - this might come from being the first person in the niche to create content on a particular topic or event, or it could come from addressing an issue from an unusual standpoint.

You can also increase the link potential of your content by looking at the existing content on the domain you'd like a link from. Are there any gaps in the content - and could you write something that would fill it? This makes a conversation with your desired domain much easier as you can approach them in a friendly tone and manner and show them what you've written, and explain why it's of value to their readers.

Good luck, hope the above helps

Tom

[David-Kley]

Best way to obtain the link is to have content that is linkworthy. After having what you feel is a great post created, contact the site owner of the desired linking domain. Do not approach them in a saleman type of tone, as this will most likely turn them off to anything you have to say.

Simply state that you have created content that you feel is beneficial to their users, and would like to know if there are any opportunities to have your content posted on their website. You need to create a mutual business relationship, and focus on how your content can benefit their website then use that to market yourself to them. If they refuse, dont worry. I'm sure there are plenty of other high ranking sites that could help.

This can help you get started:

http://moz.com/blog/5-strategic-steps-to-big-content

btw, I would train your mind not to use terms like "linkbait". This process is not about baiting people into clicking your links, but providing benficial information that is likeable, sharable, and linkworthy.