Every webmaster wants better search engine rankings, and there is no better way to improve search engine rankings than by obtaining links from other websites. Here are eight proven techniques for doing just that.
1. Requesting links: it’s time consuming but it does work. If you have a site with good content, you may be able to get some one-way links. Generally, however, you will need to reciprocate.
2. Directory listings: listings in directories still carry weight with the search engines. The most important directory is dmoz, but the-big-brain, and many others are well worth submitting to as well.
3. Article writing: like requesting links, article writing is a lot of work, but it is well worth it. By writing articles and submitting them to article directory sites, one article (with links to your website in the article box) may wind up on thousands of websites.
4. Writing and distributing news releases (which include your website URL) is another excellent way to build links. You can write releases or have them written for you, and you can use an online service to distribute them free or for a relatively modest cost.
5. Blogging: website owners should promote and link to their website from their blog(s).
6. Social networking sites: many successful website owners promote their websites on Facebook and similar sites. Just be sure to follow the rules.
7. Offer well written, informative articles to selected bloggers. By including an author’s box, as you would with any other kind of article, it is possible to pick up dozens of links on sites (blogs) likely to be read by people likely to be interested in your website.
8. Informative, on-topic posts in guestbooks, forums, and blogs (with your URL in your signature), will make you friends and produce links the search engines will generally count in your favor. Think “low hanging fruit”.
There are other techniques you can try, but be careful about “black hat” tactics like buying links unless you are willing to risk being penalized by the search engines.