Link Building – Link To External Content

Internet Marketing and Link Building

One of my goals for search engine optimization is to become an authority site.  To do so, I need to link to other authority sites in my niche.

Visitors First, Last, and Always

It’s all about thinking about visitors first, last, and always. People are online searching for solutions in the form of  products, services, answers, and entertainment. When they land on my site, I’d like them to stay for a while and provide the solution they’re looking for. Since I’m not the sole authority on my niche, I’m going to link to other authorities that are well-respected. 

Be A Thought Leader

What I do want to do is position myself as a thought leader in my niche community.  I need to avoid the mistake of linking only to content that helps me make sales.

Doing so has several benefits.

• First, it tells my visitor that I’m interested in them and what they want.
• Second, it tells visitors that I’ve done some research and found relevant content they might be interested in.
• Third, I’ve made it easy for my site’s visitors to review and digest this content themselves.
• Fourth, it builds credibility for my site as an authority site.
• And, I build inbound links from other authority sites. When they see my inbound links, they may visit my site, find content they want to link to, and return the favor.



Google Juice and Page Rank

What I’m interested in is Google Juice  and PageRank…improving the opinion that Google has of my site.  Links to external sites should contain the “nofollow” attribute to help improvie SEO ranking and reduce the potential for spamdexing.

What To Avoid In External Links

Links to advertising and conflicts of interest

• Materials that violate the copyrights of others
• Original content that the publisher has not given consent to allow for public use.  For example, a video that includes a disclaimer such as “for private use” only.
• Site that require registration or payment to view the content
• Sites in languages other than yours.
• Sites that contain offensive material.  Remember, you’re recommending the site.  You will be associated with the content you recommend to your visitors.
• Sites that contain scripts, malware, etc.



SEo External Links Best Practices Video

The following video reinforces and expands on some of the things mentioned above.  The presenter at the Online Marketing Summit talks about the value of creating an educational community so you are viewed as having authoritative content.  The goal is to position yourself as a thought leader in your niche.

Be a thought leader in your niche.

Filed under: Internet Marketing Strategies

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