5 Secrets to Link Building in 2019

by Louise, Guest Contributor

There are many strategies you can use to boost your search engine optimization (SEO) and help your website rank more highly in search results. You can claim your Google My Business page, optimize your site for speed and security, and create content around specific keywords.

But one aspect of off-page SEO that can seem a bit challenging is link building. We know that search engines see sites with high-quality incoming links as more authoritative than their peers.
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But how do you get those links? They can’t be bought – they have to be earned. Here are five secrets to building great incoming links in 2019.

Help a Reporter Out (HARO)
How do you get news and media attention – in a good way? Simple – you can sign up as a source on HARO. Many of the news outlets are American, but that’s not a problem. They still need business owners and people in your industry to provide quotes, and their incoming links are highly reputable.

You can also build relationships with local media in your area. Be “caught” doing something good, such as sponsoring a race or charity event that can get you positive press.

Getting mentioned in the media is great for incoming links, and it gives you a chance to feature the mention on your website to build extra credibility.

Guest Blog to Win Links
Guest blogging is far from dead. The need for content is stronger than ever, and if you can provide it, many reputable sites are happy to give you a link.

Look for websites that serve the same types of customers you do. Are you a toy store in Toronto? Offer to write blogs on parenting sites. You could write about how to keep children entertained when school is out, or how to encourage children to spend more time outside.

Think about what types of customers you have, and what types of blogs might have the same audience. A toy store could work with any family or kid-focused blog, a veterinarian could work with family blogs and animal blogs, and so on.

Don’t just blindly email every blog in the niche. Instead, spend time finding out which ones you match best with. You can specifically look for ones that have contribution guidelines. When you email them, explain why their blog caught your eye and what information you think could be valuable to their audience.
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Create Linkable Content
Are you an expert in anything? If you run a business, the answer is YES! A toy store can produce a comprehensive gift guide for specific ages that would be highly valuable to their target customers.

A veterinarian can write about what pets are best for family, or create a guide for how to prepare for and care for a new cat or dog.

There’s always something you’re an expert in that you can create a guide about and share throughout the internet and social media. As you do, others will take notice and start linking to it. Those inbound links count!

Struggling to determine your expertise, or finding time to create content? That’s where working with a skilled SEO company can make a big difference.

Be a Guest on a Podcast or Radio Show
When people don’t have time to read, they listen. Podcasts are incredibly popular, and regular radio isn’t going anywhere either.

Consider emailing 10 or 20 radio stations in your area, ask to collaborate on the air, send free products for them to review, or ask to be featured on their blog or social media accounts.

For podcasts, look for popular shows that target an audience similar to yours. For a toy store, find podcasts a lot of parents listen to. For a veterinarian, look for animal-oriented or family-focused shows.

You can reach out to the podcaster and let them know what valuable information you have to offer their audience. In a way, it’s similar to a guest post, but you’d just be talking instead of writing. In the end, you get a link from their website as they promote the podcast show.

Take Advantage of Mentions to Get Links
Is someone talking about your company? If so, it’s the perfect chance to get a link. Simply reach out to the site owner and introduce yourself as the owner of the company. Ask if they could include a link to your website where you’re mentioned.

Curious who has mentioned you without a link? You can use a variety of tools to monitor mentions to see how you’re being talked about across the internet. This can help you understand not only what your reputation is, but also capture mentions that you can get links for.

With these five strategies, your link-building in 2019 will be a huge boost to your business. You can’t afford to not build your online reputation – get started now!

Author Bio:

Louise shares a passion for creative writing, and enjoys being detail-oriented in her work. Working as an SEO specialist and copy editor has increased her ability to meet new challenges with an open mind.

A degree in Industrial Technology (Major in Computer Technology) also made Louise “tech savvy,” and she prides herself on her ability to recognize the latest trends and technologies in the digital industry.

She hopes to someday visit many of the best dessert places across the globe. She’s also a proud “parent” to six beautiful cats.

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