Why Is Link Building Essential for SEO?

Search engine optimization, or SEO, is the process of continually updating your website to become compliant and in harmony with Google’s Search Algorithm. Many of us may be familiar with some of the basics of SEO, but may not fully comprehend the weight and significance of each Google ranking factor. One SEO tactic, in particular, is often overlooked, or even neglected by some who may view the task as “too difficult.” This SEO tactic is link building. Link building is an essential part of search engine optimization, with a strong impact on the search engine rankings.

What is Link Building for SEO?

Link building is the process of accumulating “endorsements” for your website, by means of having other websites link to your website. One of the reasons link building is so important, especially in regards to the Google Algorithm, is because when a website links to another website, it shows Google there is value there. Linking to a website is like an endorsement, or a stamp of approval of a website or a piece of content. The more quality links you have pointing to your website, the more Google is going to reward you in the rankings department.

How to Gain Links to Your Website?

Link building is approached in a few different ways, and by varying techniques. Basic link building techniques involve content creation and link outreach via email, telephone, or person to person requests. The most successful attempts at link building are when businesses are utilizing their professional connections and when valuable content is being created and shared. Link building is not as impossible as it is always made out to be, it only requires the right approach. More information about content creation and link outreach is shared below.

Link Building: Get the Low Hanging Fruit

As you first begin a link building campaign, it is important to first start with the low hanging fruit. Take a look at your relationships with your customers and other similar businesses. Reach out and contact those you know who are happy with your work and see if they would be willing to link to your website. If you have business partners or contractors who work with you occasionally, have them link to you as well. Starting with the low hanging fruit is the best way to begin your link building campaign.

Link Building: The Importance of Content Creation

Once you have reached out to your professional business contacts or customers for links, the next phase of link building is focused on quality content creation. People generally will share content with their friends or family on their social media networks if the content is newsworthy, humorous, substantive, controversial, or would make them in one way or another feel proud sharing it.

  • Blog Articles
  • Infographics
  • Video Content
  • Guest Blogging
  • Guest Post Commenting

Blog Articles

When people think of content creation for websites, the first thing that usually comes to mind is blog articles. Blog articles can indeed be a great way to get links, but don’t assume it is an automatic guarantee. Blog content needs to be both crafted and shared in such a way that makes it easy for people to want to share it on their website. One approach to maximize the links you gain from blog content is to reach out to websites with similar content, and see if they’d be willing to put a link to your article either within their content or at the bottom of the page in a “related” section. If the content adds value to their article and offers good information, your proposal may be considered and result in a backlink.

Infographics

While writing blog articles is a great way to increase links to your website, it isn’t the only approach. Infographics, for example, are a great way to get links to websites. Especially if you find yourself lacking as a writer, a slow writer, or simply don’t have the time to create high quality blog posts that motivate people to share. There are many websites similar to Canva that offer easy infographic templates, and where all you have to do is switch out the information. It’s a great outlet to use, especially when you feel like you are lacking in the design department. Information contained in infographics is easily processed and typically more shareable, thus a great route to try with link building.

Video Content

Most people familiar with search engine optimization understand the value video content adds to websites. Video content, like an infographic, is highly shareable and allows people to connect with your brand or message in unique and personal ways. Videos are a great way to share information, and in many cases, can greatly enrich a stand-alone blog article. If you do not own video equipment or editing software, there are other affordable resources available online to create video content through sites similar to GoAnimate. Video content is a great way to give others the opportunity to link to your website content.

Warnings About Link Building

Link building is an essential part of SEO, but many people are often misled about link building concepts. For example, some may understand the importance of increasing backlinks to their website. What they don’t realize, however, is that spammy backlinks can actually hurt more than help. Instead of trying to gain as many backlinks as possible, gradually build outstanding backlinks overtime. Links say a lot about your website, so proceed with caution when seeking to build your link portfolio. Avoid spammy, or low quality backlinks, otherwise it could make your website also look spammy to Google.

Buying links to your website is also not a great idea. For one, the costs can add up quickly, and second, Google isn’t a big fan of paid links. Having a few paid links is okay, but if the bulk of your website consists of paid links, there will be issues. If you have questions about your website’s backlinks, or about other link building practices, feel free to give your Boise SEO company a call today! Oasis Interactive would be happy to help you with your questions or needs.