Since Google just announced that it will be ceasing its Panda updates for the holidays (I guess even Google takes a break), there really is no better time than the present to reassess your link building strategies for the New Year. Even though you may still be reviewing Google’s recent algorithm changes, it may be time to focus on some additional strategies for 2012.
Aside from the common link building activities like article marketing, press releases, videos, social bookmarking, etc., take a look at some different strategies that are not as well-known.
1. Pinterest
Pinterest is quickly making moves in the SEO industry since its traffic has recently surpassed some of the most popular image sharing sites, according to Google Trends.
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard where users collect, pin and share images they find from the web with other users. Virtually anything and everything has the potential to be shared, from recipes and home décor to fashion and DIY projects, the viral potential is explosive.
When users “pin” an image, it creates an automatic link to the site or image location. Once pinned, there are also three other link locations; the upper right and in the description.
Here’s the kicker: As of now, the links are “dofollow”. No one knows how long this will last or if it will ever end, but it behooves SEOs to take a closer look.
Besides the linking potential, the viral nature alone presents a fantastic opportunity for any company that uses images to advertise and take advantage of the potential of Pinterest.
Right now, Pinterest is still in beta and on an “invite only” basis. If you need an invite, let us know in the comments.
2. CSS Galleries
If your website was created with CSS, there are hundreds of link opportunities just waiting for you in CSS directories. The purpose of CSS directories is to showcase beautiful designs to visitors. If you feel your website design is worthy of a listing, search Google for “CSS Gallery” and submit your website. Many of these galleries have a good Page Rank and decent traffic as well.
3. Guest Post
Guest posting is a popular method for gaining backlinks from some authority websites. First, check the blog to find any guest posting submissions. If you cannot locate specific instructions, contact the blog administrator and ask to write a free blog post that will include a link back to your website.
Note: Your content must be related to the blog and offer value. If your content will not add any value to the blog’s readers, the owner will not use it.
4. Broken Links
This method is not always 100% successful, but it is definitely worth a try. Blog owners will be thankful if you locate broken links on their sites. If you find one, email the blog owner with the broken links and request a link in return. A short, professional email, straight to the point, usually does the trick.
To check for broken links you can use Check my Links for Chrome
5. Resources
There are some valuable link opportunities within your town.
- Local Chamber of Commerce. Check their website or contact them to add your business website to their directories.
- Contact your local library and ask them about listing your website
- You can also register your business with the Better Business Bureau which will include a link back to your website.
Jenna Scaglione is a content writer, internet marketer, and a lover of family, friends and life. Jenna enjoys learning, growing and discovering the newest and latest trends on the internet. Known as "Lady Content", she lives in sunny Socal where she helps her clients around the world increase brand awareness on the internet through content writing and social media.
Informative article. I do not recommend #2 – the CSS galleries. Although I understand where you are coming from, the PR will help fairly little due to the fact that the content just won’t be relative. For instance, our company InstallHDTV.com is listed on many CSS and HTML5 galleries and it really did not bring any strong value to the table. (All it did was just add a pile of unrelevant backlinks). It doesn’t hurt you, but I don’t recommend using it as a backlink strategy to gain in SERPs.
I agree. Links still have to be related to a certain degree and while this is not a bad way to go, it might not be a fit for everyone.
please send me a pinterest invite.
thanks.
Hello,
Your invite is sent. Good luck!
Jenna
Useful info. Had no idea Pinterest was following links. Are they still doing that?
Yes they are.
Mike
Getting your brand and links in major online magazines will give your rankings a boost. The link building strategy relies on newsworthy and good content.
Hi, colud you send me a pinterest invite?
Very interesting post. Could you send me a pinterest invite? Thanks!
Hi Francesco,
I sent you an invite. Good luck with Pinterest!
Jenna