Finding reciprocal link partners can be an onerous task, and it's one that is often outsourced. Thinking outside the reciprocal link box can create valuable business relationships and enhance your reputation.
Thinking of your reciprocal linking? There are more benefits to linking than just getting links. Consider doing at least some work yourself.
First let's make a master list, all the usual ways we can think of to get quality, relevant links back to a website.
1. Fill out a form or email a webmaster, asking for a reciprocal link. We'll assume for the purpose of clarity that we mean exchanging links to post to a traditional directory page.
2. Deep linking. You embed your partner's link into relevant text on a page other than your directory page, and your partner does the same with your link.
3. Links from signatures. This can be a signature you place at the end of every email you send out, or in forum posts.
4. Comments left on other websites. This can be a blog or a comment form on any website. These will usually have your website url attached to the comment.
5. Submit your website to niche or general website directories. These can be paid or free; I choose depending on what I need to do to get a link without having to put a link on my website. I prefer free, but it's a personal choice.
6. Write and syndicate articles and include your url in the resource box. Write exclusive articles for high-traffic sites that rank highly in search engine results.
Thinking Outside the Box
7. Mix up the above 5 ways. For example, if you'd like a link from a site with a higher page rank than your own, ask for a link on their directory page in exchange for a link on your homepage as well as in your directory. Save this idea for one or two HIGHLY relevant but non-competitive sites, and only if their search engine results are on, say, page 1 of Google. Or, ask for one link from them, but give them links on two or more of your websites. Ask for a link in their directory in exchange for a favorable review in your blog, or inclusion in your newsletter.
8. Write testimonials and reviews. Communicate personally with webmasters. Write up a short review of their website or product rather than sending them a generic request for a link trade. Don't wait for them to ask for a testimonial, send them one anyways. This can be informal and a bit sneaky. For example, instead of saying "I visited your site and like it alot, I agree with what you say about (blah blah) and thought we'd make great link partners, would you like to..." try this.
In one sentence, sum up what it is about your business that relates to the other website. For example, say your business is selling HP printers and XYZ Inc. sells ink refill kits. You can say, "I've found that 75% of HP printer owners like to refill cartridges 3 times before buying a new one. XYZ refill kits are so easy to use, mess-free and the customer service is so fast, my customers refer my website to others just because the refills make our printers a complete package. Thanks for making satisfying my customers so much easier." You've promoted your business but it's really in XYZ's interest to print your testimonial.
As a webmaster, I'd love to receive an email like that. I'd write right back and ask if I could use it on my website.
9. Write reviews where they're asked for. Search around. Don't look too far ;-) The big names are the places you want to go. Take Amazon.com for example. People click over to Amazon with their credit cards ready. They are discerning shoppers and they are often repeat customers; they read reviews, they follow links to "what else purchasers of [a particular product] bought". So write reviews of products that relate to your website topic. Book reviews are the easiest; follow your nose to the bestsellers or new books in your category at the library.
Whatever industry giant reflects your niche, go there and leave comments and reviews. If you aren't allowed to link to urls, be creative. Use your domain name in your user name, in your profile if that is allowed, or use your domain name in your email address.
10. Communicate with whoever you represent as an affiliate. If they don't respond, you should question your affiliation; affiliate program owners need to be polite, responsive, and attentive to their affiliates. Affiliate program owners know what their top affiliates are doing to be successful, they should be willing to share tips with other affiliates. Create a product such as a user manual or report ("10 Tips for Succeeding as an XYZ Affiliate")and embed your url link(s) in it. Let the affiliate program manager distribute your report or manual to his affiliates. Or again, write a glowing testimonial to the program, product or owner's customer service, etc.
By using these techniques, you'll not only be building relevancy and credibility in the eyes of the search engines, but you'll be building valuable relationships with your link partners and a reputation as an innovative, creative expert in your field.
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13. Linking To Your Blog From Directories
18. Using Forums To Get Back Links
26. Get Links From SEO-Friendly Directories
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