How do you convince people to link to you?

[spiritadventures]

I HATE when the business goes quieter and then I have no excuse but to carry on with searching for links. I HATE this as I feel it is such a waste of time! I email other websites asking for a links exchange and I would say only 1 in about 20 will respond.
I am just as bad when I get email requests if you just don't have the time or the website that wants to link looks a bit rubbish, you end up just ignoring them.
So do you have any novel approaches to convincing other website to link to you?
Or, better yet, if you wish to link exchange as you are in the newage/wicca/gift shop/jewellery shop trade please PM me :p
Sarahx

[fisicx]

Why do you want these links?

Link exchanging is going to have a very minimal effect on your ranking and google actually advises again link exchanging for ranking.

The links that really matter are the ones that occur naturally, these are when people spontaneously link to you with some sort of citation or reccomendation.

Source: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/good-times-with-inbound-links.html

Rather than chase links you would be much better off working on your site content in order to improve conversions for those visitors you do get.

[Retrograffica]

Why do you want these links?

Link exchanging is going to have a very minimal effect on your ranking and google actually advises again link exchanging for ranking.

The links that really matter are the ones that occur naturally, these are when people spontaneously link to you with some sort of citation or reccomendation.

Source:

Rather than chase links you would be much better off working on your site content in order to improve conversions for those visitors you do get.

Spot on. Excellent advice

[BusinessIdeas]

Or submit interesting content to article sites I guess?

[spiritadventures]

Thanks for your advice

[Rainbow Chasers']

Defo agree with the above, linking only works with sites that have complimentary products or services. For exmaple, on our site (motorhome hire) we have links to sites that give places to go, and sites that give info on camp sites etc. It complements your product and is something that is deemed useful to your customer without affecting your own trade.

Linking to similar businesses, is like having two shops next door to each other and you telling your customers to go to the one next door. Has to be carefully done!

[websnail]

I was about to write that I only get links to my content because it's useful or the product has surprised folks who then feel they should tell others about it.

Content is definitely king :)

[crossdaz]

The links that really matter are the ones that occur naturally, these are when people spontaneously link to you with some sort of citation or reccomendation.


That's all well and good but for most sites not very useful. Say, for example, I sell red widgets - how many other sites are going to link to me, even if I have just written a fascinating article about the history of red widgets?

Link exchanges have some use, sometimes minimal and sometimes more so.

Another way to approach the problem could be "what can I offer another site so they would want to link to me?"
This could be an offer to write some content for them, a special offer or just an email to say 'hi, I wondered if there is a way our widgets could be featured on your site, I've just written an article about the history of widgets that you might be interested in?'
This is more likely to illicit a positive response than simply asking to swap links.

[riko]

Hi,

I do not think that there is this magic formula how to get them link to you.
Well, the best way I have found to get people to link with you is making them to want to link with you. Why would they want it? Well, because your page rank is high!! So you just make yourself look attractive and then contact them. Dont go and beg for it, make it look as if you are doing a favor for them. Turn the table around. Maybe in past you have charged others for linking to you. Then you can contact the webmaster of the desired site and say: I was wondering if you would like a free backlink from yoursite.com , In past I have charged ££ but at the moment for a limited time, I am offering it free for few selected sites.
That method will work way better then just begging for links.

But as mentioned above, link exchange is not that great. There are way easier and effective ways of ranking in serps.

Riko

[fisicx]

Link exchanges have some use, sometimes minimal and sometimes more so.

Agree. Bill Slawski wrote an good article on positive reciprical linking, not for SEO but simply to provide a better service for your visitors. This will actual impress google if you do it properly.

I'll read you article about the history of red widgets if you read my about anoraks.

[crossdaz]

I'll read you article about the history of red widgets if you read my about anoraks.

I already know everything about anoraks - that's why I moved on to widgets, thanks anyway :)