Backlinks are an important factor in
search engine optimization (SEO) because it shows Google that your website is trustworthy. In addition to helping your
business website rank higher in organic search results, backlinks drive 'referral' traffic. Generally speaking, when you increase site traffic, conversions go up. Below are six steps to creating a link building strategy to drive more traffic and
attract customers.
1. Research Your Audience
For your link building strategy to be effective, it’s crucial that you research your target audience. Find out what’s important to them and what they want by checking out online forums, reading
social media comments, conducting polls, and more. By understanding your target audience, the rest of your link building efforts will have a clearer focus.
2. Identify Relevant Websites
While researching your target audience, you’ll come across websites, blogs, and social media accounts that your target audience likes to visit or follow. Make a list of these websites that are most relevant to your target audience. Furthermore, getting backlinks from high 'domain authority' (DA) sites provides more SEO benefits than backlinks from low DA sites.
3. Create Value-Driven Content
Websites want to provide value to their audience to keep people coming back, which is why it’s essential that your
content also provides value so those websites will want to link to your content. Create content that is educational, informative, or inspirational to attract shares.
4. Pair the Right Content
In addition to providing value, make sure you match the right content to the right website or social media account before reaching out. For example, a popular YouTube channel probably won't be interested in sharing your long-form blog article since its focus is
video content.
When your content topic and format fit the brand's content, you have a better chance of earning a backlink. Plus, the target audience will be more likely to click the link because your content is relevant to their interests.
5. Reach Out and Build Relationships
Contact websites you would like to have a backlink by telling them about how your content or product/service would benefit their audience and politely asking them to share it. Many websites list contact
emails, but you can also reach out through social media or by phone.
Whatever way you contact the websites, personalize your message to get more positive responses. Even if they say no, at least you've established a connection that may lead to future backlinking opportunities.
6. Share Content on Social
Use social media to promote your content to reach a wider audience and increase shares, thereby getting you more backlinks. Also, consider messaging your content directly to relevant influencers that you think would be interested in sharing your content with their audience.
Grow Traffic and Conversions Through Link Building
Link building is vital for ranking higher in organic search results and increasing site traffic. Although link building takes time and effort, the results it produces are worth it! Research your target audience, craft value-driven content, and strategically share your content to attract quality backlinks.
Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Sales & Marketing Technologies to boost your website's online visibility and generate more business!
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in December 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.