One of the most effective ways to generate traffic to your Web site is to exchange links with other Web sites. Both sites benefit from reciprocal links with sites that attract the same targeted audience. Links to your site increase your traffic, imply that your site is worth visiting, and may increase your search engine ranking. Links to other sites provide useful resources and give visitors a reason to return to your site.
When requesting a link, you will often get it -- especially if you offer a link back and provide good content. It is harder to get links if your content is strictly promotional. Link only to Web sites that reach the customers you want, provide information your target audience is interested in, and offer content and products that complement yours. For example, a Web design company may link to sites providing free graphics and diagnostic tools.
Five Ways to Find Linking Partners
- Search for Web sites to exchange links with by going to search engines and using keywords related to your own site. Email the webmaster and ask for a link exchange.
- Check out Web directories for appropriate sites.
- Go to Link-O-Matic (http://www.linkomatic.com), a directory of Web sites looking for reciprocal linking.
- Check out LinkShare (http://www.linkshare.com), a free referral program.
- Subscribe to LinkUp (email: Subscribe-LinkUp@CommerceStreet.com), a discussion list service and send messages to find link partners.
Tips for Creating Links
- Create a separate page containing links to other sites.
- Include a benefit in your listing to motivate people to click on your link.
- If you don't know how to create links to other sites, have your webmaster set them up for you. You'll need to provide the Web addresses of the sites you want to link to and a short description of what they offer.
How to Get Other Sites to Link to You
- When asking for a reciprocal link, provide a link first to their site and mention it.
- Then email a personalized message to the webmaster of the sites you want to get a link from. Provide the following information in your link request: Mention that you visited their site; compliment their site; invite them to visit your site; provide an incentive for them to link to you; mention how a link to your site will benefit their visitors; ask for a link; provide a suggested listing for your link.
Sample Link Request
Dear Potential Link Partner,
Would you like to exchange links? I find your site a great resource for our Web design clients and I've listed you in our links page.
I would appreciate a link back to http://quomodocunquize.blogspot.com. To make it easy for you, here is the suggested copy for the link: "THE DESCRITPION OF YOUR SITE."
Thank you,
Ark
