The Future of Link Building:5 Principles for Safe, High-Impact Links
Presented by Nate DameFounder/President, SEOperks
Importance of Link Building
Link Building
• Still pretty important!
http://www.seomoz.org/article/search-ranking-factors
Trends
Trends
• “Unnatural links” warning in Google Webmaster Tools.
Trends
• Blog network de-indexing.
Trends
• Panda update.
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/how-googles-panda-update-changed-seo-best-practices-forever-whiteboard-friday
What do these trends mean?
• The USER is king!– Google is trying to come full circle by creating
algorithms that fully understand what people want and love online.
– Google will get closer every year.
What do these trends mean?
• Your website– Clean, trustworthy design.– Awesome, unique, STAND OUT content.– Low bounce rates, high conversion rates.
• Your link building– Get real people to talk about you.
What do these trends mean?
• The link building litmus test
Link Building: A Re-Re-Definition
Link Building: A Re-Re-Definition
• Back to basics: A link is a reference.• Does your website and blog inspire:– Mentions on other blogs and websites?– Social shares?– Real-life conversations?
5 Principles for Safe, High-Impact Links
#1: Write (lots of) Amazing Content
• In-depth how-to guides.• Authoritative roundup of resources.• Lists!• Group interviews.– Great content naturally includes outbound links
(more on that to come).
#1: Write (lots of) Amazing Content
• Embrace controversy• Be detailed (long is OK)• Spend some $$! (you get what you pay for)• Set minimum requirements for quality– 10 Super Easy SEO Copywriting Tips for Improved
Link Building (seoperks.com/copy-tips)– Are Your Titles Irresistibly Click Worthy & Viral?!
(seoperks.com/title-tips)
#2: Identify your Link Prospects
• Authoritative blogs and social influencers– In your niche/industry– Similar niches/industries– Other concerned niches
• Aim big too!
#2: Identify your Link Prospects
• Personal favorite– Search for “top KEYWORD blogs/resources”
• Used advanced search query operators• Link Prospector: Citationlabs.com/tools• Management: Buzzstream.com• Let your PROSPECTS influence your CONTENT
STRATEGY.
#3 Love your Link Prospects
• Never “cold call” for a link!• Tweet, Facebook, G+ their content• Thank them personally (email, phone call)
#4: Engage your Link Prospects
• “Can I ask your expert opinion?”• “Can I quote you on a current event?”• “What topics do you feel the industry needs
help with most?”• Group interviews• Round ups• Inclusion in other resources
#5: Ask your Link Prospects
• Suggest they “share” – never ask for a “link”• Be specific – a page the link can go on, a new
post, etc.• Love them when you ask, too!
Example Calendar
• Awesome content calendar: Ongoing• Identify link prospects: 3-4 weeks• Love and Engage link prospects: 3-4 weeks• Ask link prospects: 1-4 weeks– Coordinate with scheduled content releases
