While the face of SEO is constantly changing, link buildingLink building is a process of acquiring links pointing to your website. These links are obtained by creating content, participating in social media or commenting on other blogs. has always been an effective way to boost your search rankings. Not only linked the first “off-page” ranking factor introduced by search engines, but they are also the most enduring. These days, linksHyperlinks, also known as links, are the connection points on a webpage that take you to other webpages. remain one of the most important external signals for Google’s search rankings.
Algorithms are complicated. Unless you work at Google, you’re never going to know exactly what these algorithms consist of. However, Google themselves admitted that it looks at two main components when deciding how a page will rank:
- Content
- Links
In other words, Google’s algorithms are primed to find high-value content and place it in front of users. To do this, Google must ascertain that your content is reputable, trustworthy and of genuine high-quality.
However powerful Google might be, it is still a machine. This means it can’t read your carefully crafted content. The only way search engines know whether your pages are of value is through links.
However, not all links are created equal. Not only does Google look at the number of links pointing to your website, but also the quality.
Therefore, your rank will be higher the more links you get from authoritative, trustworthy sources. These links aren’t easy to get, however, which is why link building requires time, commitment and research.
If you want better rankings than your competitors, you need to start link building today. Here are some of the things you can do to earn links organically and increase your rank in the SERPs.
Search for broken links
When a domain changes its URL or goes out of business, direct links to their content are broken. No one wants to display broken links on their website, which is why you come in.
As long as the original domain is relevant to what you do, and you can provide similar content, you should be able to take the place of that broken link. To do this, you’ll need to communicate directly with the website owner to offer up your own content. If you get here before anyone else, there is a high change the website owner will jump at the chance to fix a broken link.
Become a guest contributor
62.9% of users perceive blogs with multiple authors to be more credible.
For this reason, websites are always on the lookout for guest bloggers. Guest blogging is one of the most effective strategies for building links to your site. The key is to find recognised publications in your niche and become a contributor.
This only works if you are able to include a link in the by-line or content body. Exposure isn’t exposure if there’s no way of people finding your website.
One major benefit of this practice is that the audience is already there. Therefore, if you provide engaging content that users want to see more of, you’ll generate new leads with minimal effort.
Share infographics
According to a Demand Gen Report, infographics increase web traffic by 12%.
What’s more, businesses love using infographics because they boost engagement. Therefore, if you’re able to design and create your own infographic, this is a definite competitive edge.
If you produce an infographic that’s of value to your industry, you can submit them to websites that share infographic material. Bear in mind that although you might expect to get paid for your work, some sites actually charge to host your infographic.
An easier way to build links with infographics is to offer them to bloggers or smaller publishers in your niche. You can make them into an HTML piece with a simple code so they can be easily embedded into a web page. This way, you can include a link back to your website.
Ask for reviews
According to Fan and Fuel, a whopping 94% of customers read online reviews.
However, if you’re just starting out in business, getting a good review that will also earn you backlinks can be tricky. While exposure on a top website like the Guardian or Huffington Post will do wonders for your backlink profile, mentions on these sites are not easy to come by.
They key is to start small. Ask independent publications or local news sites to do a write-up on your business or pay for ad space that includes a link. Offer to write a feature for free. Look for a company or individual providing a service that complements yours. That way, you can trade testimonials and boost each other’s profiles. Most people won’t turn down a glowing testimonial to display on their site – just make sure your link is featured.
Conclusion
Link building (along with great content) is the cornerstone of SEO. However, like all good things in life, you can’t rush a better Google ranking.
If you want to rank higher in the SERPs, link building will help you get there. Guest blogging, reviews, replacing broken links and sharing different types of content will do wonders for your backlink profile, but these things take time. The key is to create a long-term link-building strategy to build – and maintain – your status online.
