To purchase links or to not purchase links, that is the question. Of course links are crucial to SEO success, but is there an easy efficient way to get them without paying for them? We should hope so, particularly given Google's decision to penalize websites that contain paid links. Google is instead developing algorithms that favor websites to which others have linked naturally, meaning that they are linked to because the linking webmaster chose to link instead of being paid to link.
Which leads us to the next logical question: How do you get natural links? Here are eight ways to build up your natural links and win at the SEO game:
1. Join an Online Community
Online communities are everywhere and they address everything from maternity clothes to fishing equipment. Find a community that relates to your product or service and join in. Present yourself as an authority and be helpful to others in the community. Because you are confident, friendly, and helpful, others will automatically want to link to you.
2. Exchange Quality Links
Although it may sound intimidating at first, ask to exchange links with others who might be interested in your product or service. If you can get a link from your local library or a local or online community, you'll have moved a long way toward effectively building your links.
3. Deep Links
Make sure than some links point to your site's inner pages rather than your front page. If you can build up deep links, you will eventually dominate search engine results for that topic
4. Make the Main Thing the Main Thing
Remember who you're marketing to and focus on that niche. Don't try to be all things to all people. You'll spread yourself too thin and end up shooting yourself in the foot. Your family may love that you keep pictures of your kids on your website, but your potential customers won't be able to take you seriously if they don't believe you spend every waking moment building your business.
5. Create Good Content
Once you're clear about your focus, create high-quality content that others can't help but want to link to. Other experts and professionals are more likely to link to you if there's something particularly helpful or interesting on your website like a "how-to" article.
6. Write Articles
Submit your articles anywhere you can. This builds backlinks to your site and helps you establish yourself as an authority in your community. Make sure your articles aren't spammy and don't be obvious about promoting yourself. Just focus on writing good content that others will find relevant and helpful, and the links will come naturally.
7. And When You're Not Writing Articles, Blog
This is another great way to establish yourself as an authority in your field and create relationships, which is what the new wave of internet marketing is all about. People will be more likely to link to you if they can put a face, a funny story, and a writing style to your company name. Blogging is also good motivation to ensure that your content is always fresh.
8. Sponsor Some Links, But Only if You Have To
Some industries are so competitive that it's nearly impossible to get links with paying for them. Adult, SEO, finance, gambling, and mortgage are some of the most competitive industries, so if you find yourself in one of those, you may want to consider sponsoring links.
The best way to be successful in SEO is to come by your links the honest way. Don't be pushy or overbearing. Don't market yourself heavily. Be courteous and confident, helpful and relational. When others perceive that you really want your product or service to help them, they will be much more likely to respond to you. And if link-building is still an elusive enterprise, you can also hire a SEO expert or internet marketing firm to help you increase your link-building savvy.
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