SEO Gold: Backlinks
In the first post of this series, we talked about links (internal, outbound, and inbound) as the secret sauce of SEO. In this post, we’ll cover how and where to build good backlinks that will give your site a boost in organic search optimization.
Getting started with backlinks
Backlinks, also called inbound links, are links from other web properties to your web property. For a backlink to convey some of its authority to your website, ideally the site it came from should also have plenty of good backlinks.
Alexa, which provides ranking and other information about websites, can show you precisely what kind of authority a site has:
So, if you have a site that sells dog training tools and techniques, a link to your site from CNN, where their revolutionary dog training practices have just been featured, will be extremely valuable and give you a huge search boost. engine page results (SERPS).
Of course, getting a link from a site like CNN will require a lot of effort on your part, but it may well be worth the time and energy you put into it.
1. Site directories
Directories are a good place to start building backlinks. You can start with Yahoo or DMOZ, or you can just start by doing a Google search for directories in your industry. Listing in directories is generally free, but it may take some time before your listing appears.
2. Forums
You may already know of several prominent and respected forums within your industry. A search on “dog training forums” returns over 8 million results! Do your research and find out if any of the forums on the first page of SERPS rank well by Alexa. You will also want to make sure that the forum allows backlinking. Once you are registered in that forum, actively participate in the discussions: be useful so that your posts (with their valuable backlinks!) are not considered spam.
3. Press releases
Every time your business sends out a press release online, you are creating valuable backlinks to your site. Make sure your anchor text includes your site name (or is relevant) and send out press releases about your products and services regularly.
4. Related websites
If your business or service is closely aligned with another website, you can approach the webmaster about listing your site on their blog or placing your web banner on their page. Obviously, you may be paying for this type of inbound link to your site, but it can still be very valuable.
Depending on whether or not a particular site allows linked comments, you can also comment on other related sites where your expertise or offer adds value to the article or post you are commenting on. Keep in mind, however, that many sites have “nofollow” links, which means you won’t benefit from that site’s ranking.
5. Article Directories
Article marketing is a standard method to create backlinks to your website. Find a good article directory that you feel comfortable posting your content to and regularly post your articles there. Every time you post, include a backlink to your site so people can find it easily and your site receives the benefit of a well-regarded forward link.