From past experience, I make link development my first priority, whenever I begin a new site. I have noticed a drastic change in link exchanging, with the development of my latest venture (http://www.Mjmls.com). I still have the same trusty directory script that I used in the past. In addition, I still send out E-mails and share my thoughts and experiences through articles. But there seems to be a certain greed that I cannot come-to-understand. It seems more people want something for nothing today. The frequency of people submitting a site to my link directory, without reciprocity inspired me to write this article. Getting links to a Website is not difficult. Especially when you consider how big the Internet is today. But you must be willing to give, in order to receive.
GIVE LINKS TO GET LINKS
If you expect people to put links to your website, simply because it is there, it will not happen often. There are exceptions to this frame of mind, but the link must be valuable. For example, there is a great deal of Websites (Mine included), that rely on Mapquest.com. They allow others to utilize their Mapping system. Moreover, they are not picky about skipping over their front page. Without something similar, you have little to offer another Webmaster. If links are desired, you must be willing to give links back.
To increase the success of exchange efforts, place links in advance. If you are sending out E-mails, include the page where the other Webmaster can find his or her link. There is nothing as delightful, to a Webmaster, then seeing a link to his or her Website. Remember, the person that you are asking for a link is in the same boat as you. He or she is an Internet Entrepreneur, struggling to obtain business. They need links to their Website, just as you need links to yours.
Put some effort into your link building. It is detrimental to the development of your Website. I have an overwhelming number of people that register to contribute articles, and then post nothing more than a link. Moreover, it seems about nine out of ten people that submit to my directory, avoid putting a reciprocal link to my Website. I generally laugh, “Another greedy person trying to make it on the Internet”.
What a wasted attempt to have a link to their page. I ponder on what went through their mind, as they posted nothing more than a link. Did they think that one of the moderators or I would really allow an entire Bulletin Board page to be wasted on a single link, with nothing in return? Did they think that the Directory was the center of my Website, and I needed their link as a resource to visitors? Did they not realize there are hundreds of pages with links to outside Websites that will remain after theirs is deleted? With such diversity, how could there be nothing to contribute to my website in return? No article, no return link? Why did they avoid suggesting a site to my directory, and giving a link-back in return? Then it dawns on me, “they must not have really wanted a link to their Website”.
AVOID THE PREMISE OF LINKS ONLY FOR SEARCH ENGINES
There is more importance to links than Search Engine placement. I read articles and discussions talking about good links and bad links, all over the Internet (http://www.highrankings.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10652). I disagree with this mindset. If one person over five years comes from a link, it was well worth the effort. Provided that this one visitor wanted to come to my Website, or see what the site has to offer. Any visitor has the potential of telling someone about the site, using the site, or becoming a paying customer. It does not matter if the visitor came from a Search Engine, a Directory, or a, “Links page”.
If one person comes to your Website from a link, that’s one more person that will recognize or remember the Website. As simple human nature will explain, when a person is familiar with something, he or she becomes comfortable being there. This rational is why so many large chain-stores use the same floor plan. When you walk into a Seven Eleven, you know where to get a cup of coffee. It does not matter if the store is in Canada, or the United States. The same applies to the internet (in my opinion). When a person returns to your Website, he or she will remember where to go. There it is again syndrome! The ideal solution, to developing your online business, is letting people find it anywhere they are on the Internet. Sooner or later they will become familiar with the Website.
AVOIDING COMPETITION MAY BE A DISADVANTAGE
Avoiding personal bios is difficult but it can be a wise choice. On a personal note, I had a unique experience that challenged me on this issue. To explain, I work as an independent Real Estate Agent in addition to developing Internet properties. As I was developing my own information system, I had an article submitted from an individual whom I now consider a long distance friend. The article he asked me to publish shared information that helps people buy and sell Real Estate, without the use of an Agent.
Ironically, he did not realize I counted on Real Estate as part of my livelihood. I had in front of me an excerpt from a soon to be released book (http://www.magicbullets.com/home.php), which explained, in detail, many things Agents don’t want consumers to know.
In contrast, he did not ask me for a link to his site with nothing in return. He donated something that was valuable to him. He was willing to contribute information to my article system.
I laid down my personal bios, forgot that this could pose some competition to the other-side of my life and published his article. I cannot tell you how many times he has shared my Website with others since then. However, I have seen at least four inbound links from his efforts. What gain would I have had from potential competition had I turned it down?
What does your competition do, if they are not getting business? Generally, they will begin to cut their costs. This can cause steep competition that drives the price of your market down. I am always willing to share links with competitors. I am not suggesting you carry a site that is poorly marketed, as they are not really competition, but their are businesses that will have a share of your market. Embrace them, as they will remain and have a significant impact on your business.
Remember, quality competitors are not always a bad thing. This is especially true if you are concerned with Search Engine rankings. Most SEO Professionals suggest link exchanges with similar Websites. Because of this, if you are not willing to link with competitors, it may be difficult to reach any goals of high search engine ranking.
HOW TO GET FREE LINKS – THE BOTTOM LINE
Contribute to others. Relax, don’t be so uptight about link exchanges. Don’t be so concerned with sharing your thoughts and opinions. Contribute to others, and they will contribute to you.
Michael J. Medeiros is the owner of www.Mjmls.com. He has worked as an Independent Real Estate Agent for three years, in New Jersey. He has an extensive background in Business and Marketing. Michaels latest research and attention has been devoted to online business development and the Internet.