How much time do you spend securing links?

A lot early on .. or a few minutes a day?

[sleepy]

Just putting together a link strategy for a new site and was wondering how long everyone spends securing links?

And whether they have a set time when they do it (ie daily, weekly etc) or just whenever. As Id lke to get an idea of how much time I should allocate initialy and then ongoing as my site generates lots of traffic.

Cheers,
sleepy

[keywordguru]

Collecting links is definitely an ongoing process. I would simply get a decent amount to begin with, and then allocate time as it permits in your schedule.
It may be a good idea to set yourself small weekly goals or something?
Good Luck
KG

[dvduval]

I always set a monthly goal for each site. I set a goal for the number of requests, not the number of actual successful exchanges. As I go along, I try to identify which types of sites are more likely to exchange links.

[chrisnrae]

Definitely, for me, I spend the most time in the beginning. Especially if you believe that Google is aging backlinks, getting a decent amount of them early on is important to a site launch.

After the initial launch, it really depends on the competition in the industry. If competitive, links would need to be part of the ongoing site duties I would be performing each month.

If not so competitive, I would probably do them only as I felt the need - like if I saw competition increasing or saw my ranks slip at all or if I had some time and wanted to further secure my foothold.

[martinibuster]

Seems like after the initial two or three link campaigns, the inbounds start growing by themselves.

[nuevojefe]

Pour it on heavy in the beginning, channel some PR to link directory pages and add some solid content to the link directory pages. Pretty soon they're ranking and attracting link traders for you.

If the industry isn't too competitive your site can live off this.

An interesting concept might be to trade some properly written copy for the link services of an offshore (assuming you're in US) seo/link development company that doesn't have the english skills you might posess.

[rj87uk]

On the subject of getting many links early on,

Would it be a good idea if you pay someone to get 30, 1 way links from directories,

I guess it could be good for a new learner webmaster...