Thursday, October 30, 2008

Link Building Requires Little Attention Being Paid to Numbers

By Julie Johnson

Getting dragged down in the numbers game is not hard to do. Of the many reasons that mass directory submissions continue the link building process, one deals with a logical business process. That process would be the necessity to pinpoint a method that would be able to be consistently measured. Three good quality, sustainable links are more valuable to a client than fifty minor submissions.

In reality, it's a lot like giving a toddler 50 pennies for three dollar bills. You may satisfy your client or manager in the short run, but if your focus is on results then it's irresponsible. The danger lies in this focus on measurable metrics, to such an extent that this impedes the processes that create actual results.

There are great variances with free directories, for instance, some may have approval instantly, others withing 3 to 6 months, and still others never. There are also directories that may approve your listing, only to disappear a few months down the line. Make sure you are using better judgment when choosing free directories, and only submit to the ones that have a reputation in accepting links in timely ways, and in limited numbers. Be sure that the links maintain staying power.

Above all, don't undervalue taking the time to cultivate a relationship on the web to obtain valuable links. Write personalized, non-spammy emails to webmasters of sites in your industry and of relevant topics. Instead of typing and copying and pasting the same information into directories, give your mind and fingers a break by using some creativity instead and exploring new approaches.

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.

About the Author:

No comments: