When it comes to inbound links, you may be wondering just how to get them.
After all, if they are kind of like a gift, how can you get lots of the right people to give you these gifts. Do you demand them? Do you make friends and send out invites to your birthday party, hoping they will give the gift that you really, really want? What do you do?
There was a time when anyone asked everyone to link to their site. But now that we as an internet-crazed society have become a little more sophisticated, it is less acceptable to make these requests without some consideration.
It doesn’t hurt to ask (the right people)
Ask someone to link to your site after you have done your homework and know that they have a quality website. You may not want to link to a direct competitor, but rather someone whose site is related to yours, although maybe not directly. If you already are friendly, ask. If you do not know the people behind the website, then maybe it is time to pick up the phone. Yes, we are all very tech-savvy, but as one internet marketing guru advises, you probably need to state your case first. After all, the other company’s reputation is on the line. And inbound link is in many ways, an endorsement. People are not likely to endorse you if you and your company are unknown to them.
A little flattery never hurt either
Another strategy for getting inbound links is to use flattery. When you have researched certain sites and know that you might benefit from being linked to them, link to those site yourself. Mention them in a blog post you are doing or highlight an article about them in a Twitter update. To give is to receive and they will often be so flattered (and grateful) for the publicity that they will link right back to you. Now this is not guaranteed to work. Even if the company does not return the favor, you still look generous because you are willing to share the spotlight.
These tactics work for garnering a few inbound links here and there, but if you are looking for volume, you will likely need to get some backup. Let Increase Visibility do some of this heavy lifting for you. We are a happy to research websites that are complementary to yours. Our experienced team may find companies in fields or areas that you never even considered.
