Links
As mentioned earlier, numerous search engines use link popularity when ranking websites. Thus instituting a strategic linking program is a must for any new website. When a search service sees a website that has a lot of other websites linking to it, it naturally assumes this profusion of links means it is a site with compelling content and is well-regarded in the Web neighborhood.
Begin by negotiating reciprocal links, especially with websites that appear consistently in the “top twenty.” Having a good base of incoming links from other websites is as important as providing links to the “top twenty” on your website.
Remember this can also include your competitors’ sites. Why? If any of your competitors’ sites are one the “top twenty” returns when a search is done for “shoes” leading customers to that site and they don’t find what they are looking for on your competitor’s site, but see your link, guess what — they will end up on your site.
You will be surprised how many of your so-called competitors will be very glad to link to your site in return for a link back. Why? Because the next time your website may show up in the “top twenty” when a potential customer uses a different search criteria.
Work hard to develop link partnerships with websites that are popular with your customers. How can you know what’s popular? Use those surveys!
Quality links — links that provide a valuable resource your customers will appreciate — are the only links you should consider when developing your links strategy. These links give you the opportunity to provide a useful service for a potential customer even if there is no sale made at that specific time. Customers remember the websites that enables them to accomplish their goal — even though they may have made their purchase on another website.
But because you took the effort to provide your customers with a valuable service — links to quality websites that target the same niche market — they will come back. Eventually, they will make a purchase from your website.
There are many ways you can exchange links. Links can be banners, links can be placed in emails, links can be placed within informational text on yours and others websites, links can be an award, links can be provided within a buyer’s guide or directory.
Okay, now you get the idea, so go for it. Try any variety of these links or all of them — just do them tastefully and don’t let the links distract from the presentation of your products/services. Links not only help with search engine ranking, they feed traffic to your site directly, and they help to create name recognition. All good things!
Now, how to go about generating links? First decide:
• Which websites do you want as link partners?
• Which websites would be of value to your customers? For example ask your customers, in a survey,
o Where do they go for information and resources?
o Where do they shop in the traditional world?
o What other websites do they visit when seeking the same product/service?
o Which websites offer products/services that compliment your offerings?
o Which websites do they consider to be your competitors?
When vacillating on whether to establish a link relationship with a specific competitor, remember that if you offer a quality product that is competitively priced, a link to a competitor’s site won’t hurt you.
It can actually help by providing your customers the information necessary to make a purchasing decision. Your customers aren’t stupid; the Internet is a great venue for comparison-shopping, so customers will probably be visiting your competitors anyway. Make it easy for them; they’ll appreciate it.
Remember Miracle on 42nd Street — Gimbles referring customers to Macy’s and vice versa — same theory here.
Before searching for link partners, consider what kind of partner you want and what you have to offer the potential partner.
Be diligent, be open to opportunities, and always be on the lookout for a potential quality link relationship. If you are on a website that you think might have potential, act immediately, send an email, use their feedback form.
As mentioned earlier, numerous search engines use link popularity when ranking websites. Thus instituting a strategic linking program is a must for any new website. When a search service sees a website that has a lot of other websites linking to it, it naturally assumes this profusion of links means it is a site with compelling content and is well-regarded in the Web neighborhood.
Begin by negotiating reciprocal links, especially with websites that appear consistently in the “top twenty.” Having a good base of incoming links from other websites is as important as providing links to the “top twenty” on your website.
Remember this can also include your competitors’ sites. Why? If any of your competitors’ sites are one the “top twenty” returns when a search is done for “shoes” leading customers to that site and they don’t find what they are looking for on your competitor’s site, but see your link, guess what — they will end up on your site.
You will be surprised how many of your so-called competitors will be very glad to link to your site in return for a link back. Why? Because the next time your website may show up in the “top twenty” when a potential customer uses a different search criteria.
Work hard to develop link partnerships with websites that are popular with your customers. How can you know what’s popular? Use those surveys!
Quality links — links that provide a valuable resource your customers will appreciate — are the only links you should consider when developing your links strategy. These links give you the opportunity to provide a useful service for a potential customer even if there is no sale made at that specific time. Customers remember the websites that enables them to accomplish their goal — even though they may have made their purchase on another website.
But because you took the effort to provide your customers with a valuable service — links to quality websites that target the same niche market — they will come back. Eventually, they will make a purchase from your website.
There are many ways you can exchange links. Links can be banners, links can be placed in emails, links can be placed within informational text on yours and others websites, links can be an award, links can be provided within a buyer’s guide or directory.
Okay, now you get the idea, so go for it. Try any variety of these links or all of them — just do them tastefully and don’t let the links distract from the presentation of your products/services. Links not only help with search engine ranking, they feed traffic to your site directly, and they help to create name recognition. All good things!
Now, how to go about generating links? First decide:
• Which websites do you want as link partners?
• Which websites would be of value to your customers? For example ask your customers, in a survey,
o Where do they go for information and resources?
o Where do they shop in the traditional world?
o What other websites do they visit when seeking the same product/service?
o Which websites offer products/services that compliment your offerings?
o Which websites do they consider to be your competitors?
When vacillating on whether to establish a link relationship with a specific competitor, remember that if you offer a quality product that is competitively priced, a link to a competitor’s site won’t hurt you.
It can actually help by providing your customers the information necessary to make a purchasing decision. Your customers aren’t stupid; the Internet is a great venue for comparison-shopping, so customers will probably be visiting your competitors anyway. Make it easy for them; they’ll appreciate it.
Remember Miracle on 42nd Street — Gimbles referring customers to Macy’s and vice versa — same theory here.
Before searching for link partners, consider what kind of partner you want and what you have to offer the potential partner.
Be diligent, be open to opportunities, and always be on the lookout for a potential quality link relationship. If you are on a website that you think might have potential, act immediately, send an email, use their feedback form.