subject: Getting Natural Links to Your Website [print this page] Getting Natural Links to Your Website Getting Natural Links to Your Website
This search engine optimization (SEO) tactic relies on the piece of algorithm that evaluates the number and quality of these backlinks: the more you have, and the more popular the website linking to your own is, the higher your ranking. While there are some so-called "black hat" ways of generating these links, it's far safer (and effective, in the long run) to get natural links to your websites. Here's how you can go about doing so.
Find sister websites with which to interact. Every website, whether it's a business website, an ecommerce website or a personal website, responds in some way to current events that affect its industry. A clothing retailer seeks to stay on top of seasonal trends, for example, while a music lover will want to make a music website that comments on Grammy awards. By seeking out other popular websites that are part of your industry, and either linking to their content on your own website, or stating your opinion in their comments or forum section, or both, you will join that industry-wide discussion, and make it more likely for those websites to link to your own. Remember, however, that being too pushy with getting backlinks can harm your relationships with those popular sites. By focusing on the discussion at hand rather than relentlessly self-promoting your website, you're far more likely to get a natural link to your website.
Use social media sites to spread the word. Websites like Facebook and Twitter can help you get the word out about your website, and as importantly, allow you to reach a community of people with similar interests (whether personal or business related). The more you're a respected member of those communities, the more likely you are to get multiple links from your peers.
Make a website with a forum or comments feature. Focusing your web page design on interactivity will give your visitors a stronger sense of ownership in your websiteand give you a better sense as to who your client base is. Free forums will allow you to interact more directly with your visitors, many of whom will likely have their own websites. If they're happy with your content, asking them to link to your website through a private message should be a piece of cake.
Make your own website popular by focusing on content. While obvious, this is a key point: no SEO strategy is as important as having killer content. Whether it's keen insight and wit into current events, or great, affordable products that are clearly displayed and explained, content is king when it comes to attracting visitorsand getting natural links.
Join an online directory. The links that you receive will count towards your ranking, and you'll be getting the name of your website out there to the general public. If you manage to get your website listed in Yahoo! Directory or DMOZ, then you'll be in even better shapeboth are incredibly popular web directories.
While you make a website search engine friendly, you may be tempted to take some shortcuts, such as joining a link exchange service. Don't do it. These services often wind up hurting your search rankings in the long run. Spending your time building your reputation within the community you serve is a far better investment of your time, and will help you win high quality, natural links to your website.
