Six Ways to Get Inbound Links to Your Web Site

Posted On : December 20, 2006

Having links pointing to your Web site is a great way to increase traffic. Not only does it give people more ways to get to your site, but it is also a great way to improve your search engine rankings. But how can you get other sites to link back to you? Here are six tips

1. Compelling content. Packing your site full of useful content is one of the best ways to get inbound links. When you have a lot of content, webmasters will naturally link to you because your site will be valuable to them and their visitors.

Some examples are articles, tools, tips, and resources related to your site. You could also have a blog that you update regularly with fresh content.

2. Testimonials. Many sites feature testimonials from satisfied users, customers, or readers. When you come across a great site or have a good online customer experience, send a testimonial (and your URL) to the site's owner. If they decide to use your testimonial, you may get a link back to your Web site.

3. Online directories. There are hundreds of online directories with liberal submission policies. Many of the top directories require you to pay for inclusion or provide a link back to their directory. You can give the link back if you want, or pay if you have the extra money.

4. Writing articles for other sites. Writing articles is one of the best techniques for getting inbound links. Webmasters are always looking for content for their sites and newsletters, and most are happy to give you a link back to your site for providing them with quality content. You may also be able to add a blurb about yourself and your business, with a link to your site, at the end of the article.

5. Free e-books. If you can create an e-book that has real value, people will save it on their computers, refer to it over and over, and send it to friends. Embedding a link in your e-book is a great way to expose all those people to your site.

6. Blogs. Blogs are a boon for the small business Web site, and they can dramatically increase the number of links pointing to your site. First, host a blog on your site and update it frequently. Blogs are viral in nature, and bloggers are in the habit of exchanging links to one another's sites. Once your blog is up and running, submit it to the major blog directories. If you keep it up, you will soon have lots of links back to your site from your fellow bloggers and from blog aggregators.

Once you implement these tips, you should begin to see your search engine placement and traffic improve.

By Trent Brownrigg