Type "link building" into Google, and the search engine finds more than 87 million sites. It seems that everyone has an opinion on the topic, and rightly so, considering the value of SEO. So how do you break through all this clutter to make sure you're doing right by your client and getting them page views? I've gathered some of the best tips out there from the likes of Vertical Measures and SEO Book, among others, who live and breathe link building.
Promote websites through directories. Article and web directory submissions can build backlinks while increasing exposure. And even though directories may not always provide direct traffic, their value lies in how search engines evaluate the links.
Exchange links with similar websites, but make sure you're doing so with business partners who will send traffic your way, not just for the sake of simply getting your name onto another (perhaps irrelevant) site. What's more, avoid link trading hubs like the plague.
Find out what your competitors are doing and if they outrank your site. Analyze backlinks through free sources such as SEO Book backlink analyzer, Yahoo site explorer, and Open Site explorer.
Write original articles and syndicate them to places like ezine or Digg with links directly back to your client's site. Plus, it's one more way to build brand awareness.
Participate in forums that provide signature links. Your cachet will go up if you leave relevant, helpful comments.
Create goodies like contests and quizzes. For our clients, we have posted trivia questions with the winning reader getting an iPod, as well as create a cash incentive to sign up for their newsletter.
SOURCES
http://training.seobook.com/web-directories
http://www.seobook.com/archives/001792.shtml
http://training.seobook.com/link-building
http://www.verticalmeasures.com/webinars/effective-link-building-strategies-webinar/
http://www.verticalmeasures.com/webinars/link-building-tools-for-success-webinar/
