Hiring the Internet

Before, we discussed the importance of inbound links and how they improve your ranking with Google. Next, let’s go over how to get those inbound links to your website.

You will want to conduct a Link Exchange arrangement. Of course, the first step is to create a Links page. You should have the URL ready to give to your link partners.

Then, download the Google Toolbar, which is an add-on that will reveal the page rank of the websites you visit.

When browsing for potential partners, determine whether the website is right for you. It should be a non-competitor, possess a decent page ranking, and have a Links page of its own. If the site fits these criteria, add it to your own list of links.

After you link to them, contact the webmaster and request that they link to you. You should explain what your website does, and how a link exchange would be of good use to both of you. Of course, include the URL of your Links page so that they can verify your goodwill and see the site for themselves.

When they agree to linking, supply them with the HTML code that they need to link to you. Also, give them keywords that you would like to be used in their anchor text. For example, if you want to snag web browsers searching with “buy a kite,” suggest to the webmaster to write a sentence such as, “Here is a great place to buy a kite.” Then the link will lead straight to your site, which sells kites, of course!

Lastly, nothing is worth the effort if you do not follow up. Keep a record of all the websites you have wooed in your inbound links endeavors. After a couple of weeks, go and check whether they have linked to you yet, and send polite reminders if they have yet to deliver.

» Next Post: Usage statistics and IE7 auto update

« Previous Post: What is the Big Deal about Linking?