subject: SiTE Promotion: How to Hunt for Big-Game Backlinks [print this page] In the first part, we discussed how backlinks bring you direct traffic in addition to increased search engine rankings. That's totally awesome!
In the second part, we went into keys on creating a good backlink. This included choosing good places for backlinks, as well as making the link attractive to both search engines and people.
In this third part, we will get you started on where to start looking for backlinks so you can begin to build traffic, get more clients, and sell more products.
Getting started
As a coach, you are probably the last person who needs to hear this, but just like any endeavor, it's good to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed) goals.
For example, if you aren't getting any action at your web site because you have very little traffic, then a good goal would be five inquiries a month, six months from now.
The next step is to set aside time to get backlinks. A great start is to commit a measly one hour a week.
Backlinking takes time.
It takes time for you to find places to get backlinks. It takes time for other web sites to set up your backlink. It takes time for search engines to find those links.
Therefore, the next thing to do is set up a spreadsheet to help you keep track of backlink request that have not yet been fulfilled.
The spreadsheet should include:
The web site you are seeking a link from
The date you requested the link
The title and description of the link
A box to mark of when your link has been set up
A place to put miscellaneous notes
Your first target The Open Directory Project
The ODP (The Open Directory Project) is a general web directory that catalogs web sites on the Internet.
The ODP is a great place to start your backlinking program for two reasons.
The main reason is that many search engines hold The ODP in high regard that is, if your web site is listed in The ODP, it must be a legitimate site. This helps your rankings.
Secondly, The ODP has simple, clear submissions guidelines which familiarize you with the process of requesting backlinks from other web sites.
The Open Directory Project is here:
There are a lot of other directories and the number grows. To find more popular directories, simply do a search on "top web directories 2006."
Take a second to celebrate
Once you have gotten listed in The Open Directory Project, stop and celebrate!
