You can never have too much SEO directed to your website. Remember, your competitors are probably paying as much attention to optimizing their website as you are with your website.
This means that you are in a constant jostle for number one spot in Google, Yahoo and Bing. If you have optimized your on-site attributes with relevant Keywords, have strong anchor text, and are using social media you will be in a good starting position to compete with the big boys. But as SEO is a process you will need to pay on-going attention to SEO for your website. Remember, there is no quick fix that will see you get to the top of Google in the organic listings. But there are on-going SEO techniques like Link Building that can help you get to the top gradually and stay there!
What is Link Building?
Link Building is on-going SEO technique that helps improve a website’s visibility by increasing the amount of inbound links (Links going from website X to your website).
Why is Link Building Important?
Link Building is important because it can help increase the amount of visitors to your website, increase sales and help to increase the SEO value of your website.
How do I build Links?
I won’t lie, Link Building is a time consuming task…but it cost nothing. There are a number of ways that you can Link Build, but first, a warning. Do not use the mass directory submission packages offered across the web. If you get a huge number of links too fast this will be flagged by search engines and can result in negative penalties. Instead grow your links slowly and across a wide variety of platforms.
Where do I build Links?
Directories
You can begin by submitting your website to directories. Again, this will take some time but if you submit one a day (10 Minutes) this will slowly build up to an extensive list of inbound links. Some directories you can submit to:
Have a look at a more extensive list here: http://www.directorymaximizer.com/seo-friendly-directories.php.
Google Places
If you haven’t created a Local Business Account (Google Places) with Google, do so now. Having a localised profile online is becoming increasingly important and a Google Places Account is vital. Create Your Account HERE.
Press Releases
Submit a press release for your new product or service. This is a great way of getting backlinks but is also a tool for online promotion. Write your press release and go to irishpressreleases.ie. Again, this is a free service so all it takes is your time and effort.
Industry Associations
Submit your website to industry associations. This will help build confidence and promote your website as an authority in your industry. The backlinks created will be good for SEO but also any traffic coming from these associations will be relevant to your industry. An example would be an Irish Internet business as a member of the Irish Internet Association.
Blog Commenting
Blog commenting is another way of getting backlinks and promoting your website. If you leave comments on blog sites relevant to your industry, the backlinks will be surrounded with relevant text which increases the authority of the link. Blog commenting also promotes your company as a thought leader in your industry. Leave helpful and engaging comments and if you have a relevant link that would be helpful to the blog on your website, post this in the website’s comments. Remember, don’t spam but engage.
Social Media
Use your social media identities to spread your services, blogs and news posts. Google now takes social media into consideration when rating the SEO value of your website. Use:
Social Bookmarking
You can also use social bookmarking sites to get traffic and increase inbound links. The top social bookmarking sites are:
As your website grows and builds authority it will naturally start to gain links from across the web. Link Building is about increasing the SEO value of your website and promoting your brand online. This takes time and with a Link Building project you will start to see enormous benefits if you plan your strategy well and have patience with the campaign.
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