Whenever you read about search engine optimization, you are told you need backlinks to increase your rankings. Backlinks are a link back to your Web site from another Internet site. However, the articles rarely mention how companies are supposed to get backlinks. SEO experts will tell you a number of ways to get backlinks. Here are some ways you can increase your Internet presence and get backlinks.
Guest Posts
This is the most difficult way to get backlinks. To get a backlink this way, you have to write an article that fits within a publication’s guidelines and allows you to put your Web site address in a bio or in the article itself. This process is difficult because it involves many factors. Your idea has to be liked by the editor of the publication or blog. You have to wait for a response from the editor. Sometimes, you have to write an article that barely relates to your area of expertise to fit in with the guidelines. You could be rejected. Your link could be rejected. However, if you can get a good publication, you can get regular backlinks.
Online Directories
Do you remember phone books and Yellow Pages? Although the print version continues to show up on doorsteps to serve as a doorstop, the online versions are alive and well. They have to be updated regularly, but when you use them, they can give you backlinks. Yellow Pages, Yelp and Google all have directories that list name, address, phone number and Website address.
Profiles
Often overlooked are profiles. Many people will open social media accounts without ever completing the profile. This is a mistake. These give you an inexpensive and reliable method of getting backlinks that is the easiest to do. All you have to do is fill out the profile in the medium completely. Remember that profiles show up in places besides social media sites. For example, if you belong to your alumni association, you should fill in that profile. If you belong to professional associations, complete your profile. The extra work you take in the beginning will reap rewards in the long run. Even job site profiles, such as CareerBuilder or Indeed, will help give your Web site a backlink and raise your rankings.
Networking Associations
Whenever a networking organization asks you to be part of its listing, grab the opportunity. These listings are important for networking, but they also give you another backlink. They also increase brand awareness locally because your fellow networkers are the ones scrolling through those listings. The same is true for chambers of commerce. If you are offered as part of your membership a listing in their database, take the time to fill in the information. It could only help you.
YouTube and Review Sites
Every time you post a video, you have an opportunity to put in your link in the video and in the description. The same is true on review sites. You can have people put a review that links to your Web site or you can have the link on the place where they review your business. This is another inexpensive way to ensure you get your backlinks without ever worrying about whether someone will post your article.
Blogging Sites
When you write a blog to promote your business create a separate site. You can put it on your Website to draw people to your site, but if you create a new site, you can get a backlink every time you post. Your link would be back to your regular site. This is a way to get backlinks without doing much work.
Try these six ways to get backlinks. You will see your search engine rankings increase.
