Knowing how to increase Web site traffic with inbound links (also called backlinks) can bring traffic directly from the links and also improve a site's rankings at the search engines. Quality links are important. Some backlinks are worthless. Search engines ignore link farms, free-for-all (FFA) pages, and other worthless web pages. It's likely that the search engines even ignore a links page with dozens of links on a legitimate Web site.
Basic Inbound Link Techniques
Use an RSS Feed: Perhaps the easiest way to get links to a site is to set up an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed. RSS lets other Web sites pick up a site's content. Once the feed is set up, no need to think about it again.
List the Site in Directories: The most comprehensive directory, Open Directory Project, is free and well respected. However, a site must have good content, and getting it approved may take months. Also search for niche directories that have good Google PageRank and list the target site.
Exchange Links: Find sites that complement, but do not directly compete, with the target Web site and offer to exchange links. Remember that links on a long links page have little value. A better technique for links is to exchange in-context links on content pages.
Backlinks from Forums and Blogs
Use Forum Posts: Forums post sometimes provide a place to have a link in the signature line. Check the forum rules – not all forums permit links.
Comment on Blogs: This technique is one of the most abused link-building techniques. Blog comment spam is a huge problem. If leaving comments on blog posts, say something truly useful and substantial.
Inbound Links from Articles
Submit Articles to Article Directories: Write good, informative articles related to the Web site niche and submit them to article directories, such as ezinearticles.com. In the resource box at the end of each article, mention expertise on the subject and include a link to the Web site. When someone reprints the article, it creates another link to increase traffic to the target Web site.
Submit Unique Articles to Target Web Sites: Find Web sites in the appropriate niche, contact the site, and offer to submit an article for publication on the site in exchange for a link or two back to the target site. In blogging, this technique is called guest posting.
Social Media Links
Use Social Networking: Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites can drive traffic to a Web site. The key with social networking is to build relationships; other people are more likely to click a link from someone they know and think has something valuable to say.
Use Social Bookmarking: Bookmarking Web pages at social bookmarking sites makes the pages available for everyone to see. Add keywords or tags that help people find the bookmarks.
To increase Web site traffic with inbound links, start by focusing on using two or three linking strategies that fit both the theme of the target Web site and personal interests and time constraints. Perhaps, the most important point is to provide real value on the Web site, so that other sites naturally want to link to it.
Carol Wiley - Carol Wiley is a technical writer turned licensed massage therapist turned freelance writer. Visit her freelance writing site or Massage ...
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