Link Building is a search engine optimization process that involves acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your own (source). Links may come from partner organization websites, online directories, being used as a reference, or anywhere else where web users are sharing your content. Creating links can be a laborious task, but an important one. Search engines check a website’s backlink profile when determining page rank.
Why Focus on Link Building?
The Google algorithm for page rank focuses on several factors. However, the most important of them come together to define the authority of a given webpage. Having a well-built backlink profile can boost your page’s authority. If high-quality, frequently-visited websites are linking back to your site, the search engine assumes your site is also authoritative. However, it is important to note that link building does not happen overnight. Rather, it is a long-term strategy that increases page rank over time. How does a site gain links? The key is content.
Creating Content for Link Building
The most common reason that blogs, news sites, or businesses share links to a website is because the content within that link offered them value of some kind. Creating high-quality content that provides value to users will encourage them to share, creating a link for you. Not sure what counts as quality content? Think blog posts, product listings and reviews, infographics and case studies, or even an interactive tool such as a calculator or augmented reality feature. Encouraging interaction with your site through useful information will ultimately lead to content sharing. This is the backbone of building a link structure.
If you aren’t sure where your site stands now in terms of shareable content, we recommend performing a content audit. This process allows you to list out what content you have already, identify what could be strengthened, and brainstorm what new material you could create to fill in gaps. If you need assistance with the auditing process or don’t know where to start, the Media Venue content team is happy to help.
Looking for Link Opportunities
Once you have a library of shareable content developed, it is time to start looking for linking opportunities. What these opportunities will be is dependent on the piece of content you are trying to share, what your industry is, what your digital presence looks like, and a variety of other factors. However, here are a few suggestions on where to start looking:
– Citations: Most online directories, review websites, and social media platforms have space for a link to your website in your profile. For this reason, citation management can be an easy first step in garnering backlinks.
– Sponsorships and Testimonials: If your business sponsors any local events or organizations, you should ask their website team to include a link to your website from theirs. Similarly, if you offer up a review for a fellow business which they post on their website, you can ask that they link your review back to your page.
– Similar Blogs: If you have created a blog post or infographic as a resource, you may reach out to other similar blogs and offer that resource to them. By including that content and attributing it your business, they will be giving you a backlink! This outreach is most typically done via email.
Let’s Link Up
While link building is important, it can also be tedious and time-consuming. If your team doesn’t have the time to create the necessary content, Media Venue is here to help! Our content development team can create blog posts, social media content, infographics, and more that is high-quality, optimized for search engines, and shareable—perfect for creating backlinks. To learn more about our SEO services, email cassie@mediavenue.com or call 502-855-4783. Enhance your marketing investment with Media Venue!
About Our Sources
Media Venue researches and finds extremely reputable and respected sources to utilize in support of our content. We pride ourselves in providing relevant and reliable content to all of our readers.
About Our Blogger
Sarah Kelley is the newest member of the Media Venue team and brings with her a wealth of insight. Her specialty is using SEO best practices to cultivate your business’s online presence. Her in-depth knowledge of website content and design allow her to constantly implement new and effective practices in her work.
