Link Exchange Programs

I expect most of you have heard of Web 2.0. If you haven't, Wikipedia defines it as "a second-generation of Internet-based services that let people collaborate and share information online in previously unavailable ways." Now, we all know that the Internet is about sharing information, so what's new? And how does Web 2.0 affect your online business?

Web 2.0 is all about the rise of consumer-driven content--social networking sites (My Space and Facebook), Folksomonies (Flickr and Del.icio.us), and Wikis (Wikipedia). What makes Web 2.0 interesting from an online marketing point of view is that it offers (among other things) more link building opportunities for website owners. And we all know how important links are in the search engine optimization game.

So, with Web 2.0 and link building in mind, I thought I try to come up with 10 link building techniques for Web 2.0. I'm sure there's more (some of mine are oldies but goodies) so if any of you have suggestions, feel free comment on this article below.

10 Link Building Techniques for Web 2.0

1. Make your site, and your content worth linking to. This may seem like obvious but you'd be amazed how many times I get link requests from sites that are a total mess. Not just design-wise but poorly thought-out or lacking in relevant, useful content. If you want to attract links from good quality sites make sure your site is of equal quality. Think bricks and mortar: you wouldn't want your upscale retail fashion studio to be associated with a flea market.

2. Write and syndicate industry relevant articles. Oh, the power of a great article. Did you know that article sites like Goarticles, isnare and Ideamarketers.com's pages often rank high in the search engine results? Well, they do. And what's more they can send targeted traffic your way. Keep on the look-out for news in your industry then write an article on the subject. How-to articles like this on are particularly popular with readers and they're easy to write. You can also submit your articles to social book-marking sites like Digg, Del.icio.us or Technorati. If your article gets elevated to the number one spot on Digg, hundreds of bloggers looking for content will see your site and may link to it.

3. Get the press on your side. Public relations is not only a great way to spread the word about your company news but it can also attract links to your site. Either hire a public relations consultant or write your own press releases and submit them to hundreds of journalists, bloggers and media outlets via PRWeb or PRNewswire. A recent press release we submitted for a client resulted in several links to their site, and an increase in sales.

4. Start your own blog. Yes, you do need one. Whatever it is you sell or whatever service you provide, there are people out there who are interested in what you have to say. Post useful information regularly; make your execution flawless and your grammar and punctuation spot on. You'll be surprised how easy it is to get people to engage in discussions and link back to your site.

5. Create your own directory. Although this is an old method of attracting links, it still works today. Build a directory of sites that relate but don't directly compete with yours. Not only does a directory provide your visitors with useful information, it also builds incoming links.

6. Submit your site to directories. Yahoo, DMOZ and other directories are still worth submitting to. Some directories allow free submissions others require a one-time or yearly fee. Whether they require payment or not, satisfy yourself about the quality of the directory before you submit. Remember: incoming links of low-quality may reflect badly on you.

7. Sponsor or donate to a dot org. When search engines think "authority" websites, chances are they're thinking of charitable organizations. So, a link or two from a few .org domains will help. Consider making a donation to charities or providing products or services free to charities that are relevant to your industry. Many non-profits link to businesses that help them in some way. You'll gain quality links, attract free publicity (you can even write and submit a press release about your charitable tendencies), and best of all, you'll feel good.

8. Network locally. Join your local chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau - you'll receive a high-quality link back when they list your company on their sites. Submit to city and government resource sites and develop business relationships with non-competing companies locally - you'll profit online and off.


9. Be Sociable. Many large companies are setting up pages on MySpace, Squidoo and other social networking sites. You can too. Use these sites to create "buzz" and position yourself as an expert in your field, not to aggressively advertise your products or services.

10. Pay-per-click. Consider using paid search advertising on Google, Yahoo or MSN to sell your products, build brand awareness, and create a few links from relevant content sites. Of course, the main objective is to sell, but, even if you don't sell much using this channel, people who come to your site through your ads, may like it so much they'll link to you.