What is Link Building?
Link Building is the act of establishing multiple direct links from other websites to point back to yours. E.g. Like when a Sensis Yellowpages listing features a direct website link back to the business website and there is no link back to Sensis.
Link Building is the act of establishing multiple direct links from other websites to point back to yours. E.g. Like when a Sensis Yellowpages listing features a direct website link back to the business website and there is no link back to Sensis.
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DIAGRAM: More websites pointing back to yours is great for the search engines |
NOW, why do we bother?
There are so many factors that influence where your website will rank, and this is one of them. If you are willing to do it yourself, it is FREE so why skip it? The more websites you are listed on (including direct links back to your website), the better the chance you have of outranking your competition. ALSO, the listings you create, in some of these business directories, can themselves rank in the search engines. This can help drive more potential customers your way by providing other ways of how they can find you online. Another kind of link is a Reciprocal Link. This is where two websites link to each other. Reciprocal links are not quite as valuable as a straight forward direct link but can be beneficial if you are linking to complimentary product and services online.
To Get you Started!
Here is a list of online business directories that allow you list your business details AND website address for FREE.
www.truelocal.com.au
www.hotfrog.com.au (my personal favourite)
www.dlook.com.au
www.localbusinessguide.com.au
www.aussieweb.com.au
www.webfind.com.au
www.shopseek.com.au
Link building also serves as a great FREE alternative to those who are not ready for a website but still desire an online presence. While you do not get the advantage of the website link, you can still list your other details like business name, phone number, address, industry category and, in most cases an in-depth description about your products or services.
“Happy Link Building”
Ever wondered what sites already link to your website?
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By simply typing in link: before your web address into Google, you can see what other sites link back to yours. Google does not count all of the links pointing to your site but this is a great starting point. This works on Yahoo too. For example: you might find out that you already have a listing with www.hotfrog.com.au but you do not appear on True Local or Start local.
It also works on your competitors websites. If you are wondering where their website appears...type in link: then your competitors web address. You can then copy these links and start to advertise also. Many of these databases are for free so all it costs you is your time and a little grey matter to figure out what to type.
Another great way to test if your external “links” are working for you, is to type in your business name into the different search engines and see what appears (other then your own website link).
This technique is great for getting serious about your search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine ranking and overall Internet presence.
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Promoting your website!
ONLINE
ONLINE
□ Add your business (and web site address) to free online business directories like www.truelocal.com.au. Google likes this.
□ Find online directories that are specific to your industry and list/register your business on these. There are heaps of free ones available.
□ E-mail signature - add your web site link to your e-mail signature.
□ If you have any Yellow pages/Sensis advertising or any other online advertising, contact your account holder to arrange your web site address link be added.
□ Social media - create a business Facebook or Twitter account. Search for existing business associates and grow your facebook community.
□ Blog - A Blog is basically a collection of online articles or news stories that you publish online for people to read.
PRINT
□ Advertise in the local newspaper/magazines, ensuring you add your web site address to all future newspaper or magazine ad designs.
□ Write an editorial for your local newspaper.
□ Update your business cards, flyers, letterheads and anything print to include your new web site address.
□ Posters, if appropriate, get posters done to display around town including your web site address. You can approach other business owners, like coffee shops or small businesses to display your posters (or business cards).
OTHER
□ Contact your existing clients to let them know you have a new web site. Email them a direct link so that they can easily click through.
□ Send out an e-mail marketing campaign or printed newsletter to your existing contacts.
□ Offer a freebie to entice people to click on your web site. This can be a free e-book or discount voucher.
□ Announce your new web site address at any networking events that you attend.
□ Put a sign on your business vehicle/s.
□ Bumper stickers - encourage your family, friends and existing clients to display your bumper sticker on their vehicles.
