"Building Backlinks" - a look into the mystery of link SEO

[Brighteyes]

Well, here I go... I'm going to attempt to share my backlink strategy. Please keep in mind that this is not really a tutorial, a how-to or a be-all, end-all of building backlinks. It's just MY thoughts and opinions on this important area of SEO.

First let's ask and answer the question... what is a backlink?

A - backlinks are links that start on another site and point to yours. It's as simple as that.

While you have pretty much total control over seo on your own site, you have to depend on the owners of the other sites for your backlinks, and how they are controlled/administered, so it looks like you have to rely on others to work for your success. While this is partially true, you can discuss with the Web master of the other site, the details... like the anchor text, for example.

Now, how do we get these backlinks? Well, the ideal way would be to acquire "natural" backlinks. The idea behind this is simple... your site content is great and people link to your site. That's it. UNfortunately, in todays' competitive WWW, it's just not that simple anymore. You have to work for your backlinks. So let's explore this:

Ways to Build Backlinks:

If you are serious about your Web presence, getting listed in directories like DMOZ, Google, and Yahoo is a must – not only because this is a way to get some quality backlinks for free, but also because this way you are easily noticed by both search engines and potential visitors. Generally, inclusion in these directories is free but the drawback is that sometimes you have to wait a couple of months before you get listed in the categories of your choice.

Therefore, while you are waiting for inclusion into the "biggies", submit your site to every site directory you can lay your hands (mouse) on! I will include a list of directories in another thread. There are three (3) types of directories - free, free with reciprocal link, and paid. Ideally, the ones to go for are the free directories, although it won't hurt to submit to a few that require reciprocal links. Some of the directories with higher page ranks charge a small fee for listing. If you can afford to do so, go this route as well. A PR 5 directory linking to your site is a good thing! Personally, I've never paid for a directory listing. The idea here is.....

1 - submit, submit, submit!
2 - use good quality, relevant keywords and anchor text. Think: what words would I use if I were searching for my site? and use them!

These are backlinks and can only do you good.

Other ways to acquire backlinks:

• Posting on forums. Generally, search engines index forums ALOT, so posting in forums is a good way to get quality backlinks with the anchor text you want. Backlinks here are invaluable. However, in some cases the forum administrator will edit your post, or even delete it, if it does not fit into the forum content, so be sure that your posts are on topic to insure your links.
• Posting on blogs - all the info above is the same.
• Submitting your site to Topsite lists, and get your members and/or friends to vote for it. This drives traffic to your site, and if people like the content, they link to it, or at least save it for return visits. Hence, backlinks.
• Reciprocal Links - Choose content relevant sites to exchange links with. In other words, if you have a web design site, don't exchange links with a pet store! Offer to exchange links with other sites whose subjects are webdesign, web developement, webmaster resources, etc. Think RELEVANCY!

Now... go build those backlinks!

[danielmichel]

Excellent post!
Another sticky for Brighteyes.

Keep this up and you'll have more sticky threads than I do.

[Brighteyes]

LOL.. thank you, I hope it helps someone!

[G_Man]

Thanks Darling. I've read dozens of posts on Backlinks, from "experts". Even people you and I deal with daily and run sites devoted to this sort of stuff.

Yet...

This is the BEST post I've read yet. Explained it all very well and in a format that was actually helpful.

Thank You.

[iughk]

What is the importance of linking to sites like this for example.
Search Google. With the keywords you want to use and adding a link to them. When does it help my site? Is it better to link to my site using this method on another site or does it work the same way when i link to other popular sites? If my website uses the meta keywords New York Development for example, does it benefit me to link within my site as such?

Here at New York Development.

I understand that backlinks are important, but can you tell us about some methods for SEO within the site? Some of my clients as for search engine optimized sites. I want to be able to tell them what i did to achieve optimal SEO for their site.

[Brighteyes]

It's important to restrict what kind of sites, you link to. TRY to link to sites that have a PR of 3 or above. The higher their PR, of course, the better. Some of their PR "leaks" onto your site (commonly known as PR leak).
Of course you have to link to other sites... other webmasters are out there doing exactly what you're trying to do as well... build their backlinks. If noone will link to each other, that's next to impossible, other than search engines and directories. An important thing to remember is that you never, EVER, want to have more outgoing links than incoming links (backlinks).

Sure I can show you ways to optimize your site within your site. It's so easy you'll laugh. However, optimizing your site within your site won't do you a bit of good without all the other steps as well. You can optimize your site all you want to, but without backlinks, quality search engine and directory submissions, etc... it's not going to do you any good whatsoever.

If you'd like for me to give you a few tips, I'll do that in another thread. Your admin might want to sticky them for future use. ;)

[Brighteyes]

Originally Posted by iughk

What is the importance of linking to sites like this for example.
Search Google. With the keywords you want to use and adding a link to them. When does it help my site? Is it better to link to my site using this method on another site or does it work the same way when i link to other popular sites? If my website uses the meta keywords New York Development for example, does it benefit me to link within my site as such?

Here at New York Development.

I understand that backlinks are important, but can you tell us about some methods for SEO within the site? Some of my clients as for search engine optimized sites. I want to be able to tell them what i did to achieve optimal SEO for their site.

I'm going to partially answer your question with a question....

First let me say, do not limit yourself to key words. Think key phrases.
Next, I would never use New York Development in my keywords. I know that is the title to this site, but honestly... when someone is searching for what you offer, how often are they going to use the words New York Development to search for web design, web development, etc?? None... zilch... N A D A! You need to think in the realm of the people that you want to draw to your site. If you were searching for what your site has to offer, what words would you use? FORGET the name of your site. Stats show that less than 25% of people search for a site by its name. OUCH!
Think CONTENT. What does your site contain. Using NYD as an example, I would use key words (and phrases) website, development, webpage, design, site development, flash, programming, code, coding, multimedia... see where I'm coming from?

THEN... in the meta description for the site, write a description using as many of the above keywords and phrases as possible. This draws the SE spiders like flies!

[danielmichel]

Originally Posted by Brighteyes

Sure I can show you ways to optimize your site within your site. It's so easy you'll laugh. However, optimizing your site within your site won't do you a bit of good without all the other steps as well. You can optimize your site all you want to, but without backlinks, quality search engine and directory submissions, etc... it's not going to do you any good whatsoever.

If you'd like for me to give you a few tips, I'll do that in another thread. Your admin might want to sticky them for future use. ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing the new threads and stickying them
Im sure your tips will rival the SEO tips at time 2 dine
Greatly appreciated

[Nipa]

I know that is the title to this site, but honestly... when someone is searching for what you offer, how often are they going to use the words New York Development to search for web design, web development, etc?? None... zilch... N A D A! You need to think in the realm of the people that you want to draw to your site. If you were searching for what your site has to offer, what words would you use? FORGET the name of your site. Stats show that less than 25% of people search for a site by its name. OUCH!
Think CONTENT. What does your site contain. Using NYD as an example, I would use key words (and phrases) website, development, webpage, design, site development, flash, programming, code, coding, multimedia... see where I'm coming from