SEO Firm: Don't Ask Sites for Links!

Chicago SEO Firm

SEO Company in Chicago

Yep. That's what I said. Don't ask websites for links! It's bad PR. What you need to do is find people and connect. Network! Since many SEOs are trained in the traditional practice of link building, we typically go through a process somewhat like this.

1. Find a relevant website.

2. Search for contact information.

3. Get in touch and make a trade.

If you've done this before...you know this type of Chicago Internet Marketing sucks. Conversion rates are typically very low, and the Return on your Investment is there, but it is a painfully long road to travel. But there is a much better way.

Find human beings! 

What a concept! They can be bloggers, journalists, forum participants, social networkers, people in the media, or perhaps you're simply well connected already! (Lucky you!)

Follow them

No not like a stalker. Follow their internet contributions: Twitter, Facebook, their blog, Forum conversations, emails, etc. Don't ask for anything.

Make yourself useful to them

Offer them great content, give them a referral, build trust.

Make them aware of this 'thing' you have for them

Talk about it on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, email, blog comments, or whatever way you wish to contact them.

There are huge advantages to building connections and links this way because it's coming from a trusted source and not from random email spam. People also like people. People who interact with them specifically. Getting an email from info@somerandomsite.com isn't likely to reap any rewards.

Credibility is huge here. Not only are you building credibility for yourself, but you're doing it for your clients as well. You've got greater brand awareness, attention from influential people, social sharing and more! And the best part? It's future proof. No matter what signals search engines measure, your work will carry value. If Facebook sharing or Tweeting takes over the internet, it won't be a problem, because you're already getting your links shared.

Good luck out there! We're rooting for you here at Integraphix. The process can be longer, but it will reduce the painful awkwardness on both sides of the fence. If you've got a comment, (a useful one) let us know by adding your name below!

--

Integraphix, a Chicago SEO Firm