I recently told you that promotion is just as important as writing articles to ensure the success of a blog. To be read, your articles need to be shared by influential people, but not only that: they also need to appear in the first search results on Google. And for our friends the algorithms, lots of backlinks are a must! So how hard can it be to get more backlinks? Not really, at least if you work methodically.
What are backlinks anyway?
These are simply links from other sites. If your site is mentioned elsewhere on the net, it’s generally a good sign for Google’s bots, who figure that the content must be worthwhile. We often talk about the importance of keywords, but it would be a mistake to believe that they alone can work miracles! As the Internet is a network, the more links there are to your site, the better. But beware: if you cheat and think you’re smarter than Google, you’ll bite your fingers off… So forget all about the blackhat SEO techniques you’ve vaguely heard about!
Get more backlinks by throwing a paving stone in the pond
While the technique can be risky, it can be a good idea to have strong opinions if there are controversial topics in your field. Of course, you don’t want to alienate the entire profession, but is there a topic or topics that can generate a modicum of buzz? If so, don’t hesitate to give your opinion on the subject! And if your opinion is in the minority, all the better. But make sure your arguments are solid, otherwise there’s a risk of backlash. And if you want to act more effectively, ask Google Trends what topics everyone’s talking about right now!
Keep an eye on your competitors
If your competitors are good at weaving a maximum number of backlinks on the web, you can draw inspiration from their techniques. To do this, start by analyzing what they’re doing. Google Alerts is a simple but powerful tool, as are the many free RSS feed aggregators out there. Netvibes is excellent, but it’s just one example among many!
Don’t forget the power of social networks
Not all social networks are relevant, but they can be powerful if you use them to stay in touch with a specific community. Watch sites can also be useful. Pinterest and ScoopIt are good examples, and Tumblr can also come in handy. The key is to find the right balance and always bear in mind that people always appreciate quality free advice!
What about infographics?
Talking of Pinterest, ScoopIt and social networks in general, you’ll notice that infographics are always a hit. If you like visual communication, it’s a great way to get more backlinks! In conclusion, always think about the best traffic vectors, and arrange to get more backlinks where it’s most relevant. Your efforts will pay off in the end.
