jeremymgp - 1:36 am on Apr 16, 2005 (gmt 0)

Successful link campaigns have got to get much more targeted to the webmaster receiving the request. Running a script, mining a relevant DMOZ directory/competitor backlink list and blasting emails is not the way to go, apart from the ethical issues it's now so common it can only become increasingly ineffective. And even contacting relevant sites by hand for the purpose of getting reciprocal links is just not specific enough.

The key is to alter your mindset from a webmaster wanting a link for their own ends, to a webmaster offering a service other webmasters will genuinely be interested in - a resource professionals in your niche can get passionate about enough to want to link to you. I have some established sites so it's easier to get new ones sites going, but for the past 4 months or so I haven't done reciprocal links, just made sure content is top notch and linked from my current sites. For me at least traffic's doing well.

Which means that more than ever content is important. Even if it's a commercial site it's always a good idea to build ample original content and make a site a real topic resource, then kindly introduce your site to webmasters who, from their point of view, would be genuinely interested in your content. And if you have to send link request messages, at least get your title right. If it says "Link request", it's never going to be read. You've somehow got to give the impression that the email is personal and that your message is contributing real value to the receiver and their users, not just yourself.

In sum then, lose the greed, get service-oriented, and market your site first and foremost by offering some great information.

Cheers,

Jeremy