Link Building

“The reasoning here is akin to a professional reference for a job: the more positive references a person has from experts in their field, the more likely you are to hire them, right? So, the more trusted backlinks a website has the higher the authority (trust flow) score”.

We ensure that our clients get the best, most relevant, quality backlinks continuously using the correct methods and anchor text. This includes links from good quality, relevant sources – all based on the latest SEO trends, which will contribute in a positive way to your website’s ranking improvement.

Bottom line, we build and sustain your link and citation profile so that you become – and stay – an ‘authority’ in your industry.

The Art and Science of Link Building

Not all backlinks work like that, though. Many are disguised, and instead of ‘Click here’, a highlighted word may take you to another website when you click. There are also links hidden behind images, banner ads, and social media posts.

When it reads a backlink, Google sees a URL, which may be the destination URL. However, it often contains text, a keyword; thus, Google sees that keyword as something your website relates to.

A Little Trip Down Memory Lane

Back in the day (we’re talking late 90s, early 2000s), link building was the Wild West of SEO. I remember when I first started in this field, people were doing all sorts of crazy stuff to get links. Spamming comments, buying links by the thousands – you name it, someone tried it.

But then, in 2017, Google decided enough was enough. They rolled out an update called “Penguin,” and boy, did it shake things up! Suddenly, all those spammy tactics stopped working. Sites that had been riding high on fake links came crashing down faster than a house of cards in a hurricane.

Quality Over Quantity: The Golden Rule

Now, here’s the deal: links still matter. A lot. But it’s not just about how many you have; it’s about how good they are. Think of it like your friend group. Would you rather have a ton of acquaintances who barely know you, or a smaller circle of close friends who’ve got your back?

Google’s looking for those close friend links – the ones that come from reputable sites in your industry. As Neil Patel, a well-known digital marketing expert, puts it, “Getting a link from a high-quality, relevant website is like getting a recommendation from a trusted friend”

Building Links: It’s Not Rocket Science, But It’s Close

Alright, so we know we need good links. But how do we get them? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to go on a little adventure through the land of link building.

Step 1: Know Your Keywords

Before you start reaching out for links, you need to know what you want to rank for. It’s like planning a road trip – you’ve got to know where you’re going before you start driving.

I once worked with a client who sold handmade leather bags. They were targeting keywords like “luxury handbags” and wondering why they weren’t ranking. After some digging, we found that their real niche was “artisanal leather accessories.” Once we shifted focus, their rankings started climbing faster than a cat up a tree!

Step 2: Create Content That’s Worth Linking To

Here’s a hard truth: no one wants to link to boring, run-of-the-mill content. You’ve got to create stuff that makes people sit up and take notice.

Think about it – what kind of content do you like to share? Probably stuff that’s:

• Super helpful
• Really interesting
• Makes you laugh
• Teaches you something new

That’s the kind of content you need to create. And trust me, it’s not always easy. I once spent three weeks researching and writing a guide on sustainable leather practices. It was a labor of love, but you know what? That guide ended up getting linked to by several major fashion blogs and even an environmental non-profit.

Step 3: Spread the Word

Okay, you’ve got your killer content. Now what? Well, now it’s time to tell people about it!

This is where a lot of folks get stuck. They create great content and then just… wait. But here’s the thing – the internet is a noisy place. You’ve got to make some noise of your own if you want to be heard.

Here are some ways to get your content out there:

1. Reach out to industry influencers: Find the big names in your field and let them know about your content. But don’t just spam them! Build a relationship first. Comment on their blogs, share their stuff on social media. Then, when you reach out, they’ll be more likely to listen.
2. Guest posting: This is still a great way to get links. Find blogs in your industry that accept guest posts, and pitch them ideas. Just make sure your posts are top-notch quality!
3. Be active on social media: Share your content, engage with others, and be a part of the conversation in your industry.
4. Participate in online communities: Forums, Reddit, Quora – wherever your audience hangs out, be there.

I remember when I first started doing this, I was terrified of reaching out to people. What if they ignored me? What if they said no? But you know what? Most people are actually pretty nice. I once reached out to a big-name blogger in the fashion industry, fully expecting to be ignored. Not only did they reply, but they ended up featuring my client’s bags in a roundup post!

Step 4: Mix It Up

Here’s something a lot of people get wrong – they focus all their energy on getting links from the biggest, most authoritative sites. And sure, those links are great. But Google likes to see a mix of links from all kinds of sources.

Think about it like this: if you only had friends who were CEOs and celebrities, wouldn’t that look a bit… suspicious? Google feels the same way about links.

So don’t ignore those smaller blogs or niche forums. A diverse link profile looks more natural to Google, and that’s exactly what we want.

Step 5: Keep It Natural

Speaking of natural, let’s talk about anchor text. That’s the clickable text in a hyperlink, for those who might not know.

Back in the day, people used to use the exact same anchor text for every link, thinking it would help them rank for that term. Big mistake! Google’s too smart for that now.

Instead, mix up your anchor text. Use variations of your keywords, use your brand name, use generic terms like “click here” or “read more.” Heck, sometimes just use the URL itself as the anchor text.

I once worked with a site that had over-optimized their anchor text. Every single link pointing to their homepage used the exact same keyword phrase. We spent months cleaning that up, reaching out to site owners and asking them to change the anchor text. It was a pain, but it worked – their rankings recovered, and they learned a valuable lesson about natural link building.

The Long Game: Patience Pays Off

Here’s the thing about link building – it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You’re not going to see results overnight. But if you stick with it, consistently creating great content and building relationships in your industry, you’ll start to see those links (and those rankings) grow.

I’ve seen it happen time and time again. One client I worked with spent six months consistently creating and promoting great content. For a while, nothing seemed to happen. But then, around the seven-month mark, things started to take off. Their rankings improved, their traffic increased, and suddenly, people were reaching out to them for links and collaborations.

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Link building isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience. But it’s still one of the most effective ways to improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site.

Remember:

• Create content worth linking to
• Build relationships in your industry
• Promote your content (don’t be shy!)
• Keep your link profile diverse and natural
• Be patient and persistent

And most importantly, always focus on providing value. Whether you’re creating content, reaching out to other site owners, or participating in online communities, ask yourself: “Am I adding value here?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start building some links! And hey, if you’ve got any cool link building stories or tips of your own, drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear them!