Thursday, October 30, 2008

Link Building: Getting Caught Up in the Numbers

By Julie Johnson

It's easy to get bogged down in the numbers. There are a number of reasons that mass directory submissions perpetuate in the link building process, and one of them has to do with a very rational process in business - the need to focus on measurable, consistent metrics to gauge progress. Which sounds better to a manager or a client: 50 minor directory submissions or three sustainable, quality links?

By giving your client the 50 minor submissions, you might be making them happy in the present, but this is not the way to responsibly gain results. The problem with this scenario is that relying on the number of links to the point of forgetting the whole reason of gaining links in the first place.

Free directories are not all alike. Some of them will approve instantly, when others will take months, or never will approve. Make sure to use good judgment when submitting to directories, making sure those directories will provide staying power for your links, while also that they stick around, and don't drop off the face of the earth after a few months.

Most importantly, do not underestimate cultivating relationships on the internet, you will gain valuable links by doing so. Write emails to webmasters that are not spammy, and to sites that are relevant to your industry. Be creative when discovering new ways to submit information to directories, instead of copying and pasting the same thing over and over.

Working on links on blogs within your industry can have long lasting effects. Avoid being waterlogged with numbers, instead figure new approaches to better effectiveness, believe me, your clients will be much more satisfied. - 15336

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