Inbound links - pointers please

[IanTurner]

I am struggling to promote some sites in one or two particularly difficult areas and need some help in addressing the problem of obtaining inbound links.

Can anyone give me any tips as to how to really approach this subject in a professional, structured way?

[agerhart]

Ian,

I think that this thread should help you:

http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum12/276.htm [webmasterworld.com]

[billy fullerton]

Have you tried going to google and type in
+"Keyword"+"add url". This will throw back to you a number of sites that will give your site active links instantly, some of which you might not have considered.

[IanTurner]

Yes I learnt about that trick yesterday, also "Add a site" and "Add site" could be useful here

All the best

[Bentler]

I research related sites and will fire off an email to a webmaster or two with a polite message informing him or her about our related site and suggesting a link if interested. I usually include a concise description of what it provides to reduce their hassling over it. I only do this with sites that have meat and would be worthwhile for someone else.

Related sites are sometimes consultant firms that want to provide relavent resources to their customers, but more often they're other government agencies or community groups in the same business as ours or different jurisdictions--not competitors but partners.

[GoldenChild]

Ian,

Why don't you take a step back on this one and consider what type of inbound link would be most appropriate for your needs.

Options include one-way links, reciprocal links, niche directory listings and main directory listings.

Each type has inherent strengths and weaknesses and requires a slightly different approach.

Once you have established your goals it is then possible to decide how to identify potential links, what types of approach to use and how you are going to control the process.

Tips
1 Use a spreadsheet to track leads, contact and links
2 Gather together pre-formatted descriptions / templates / graphics that may be required and have them at hand throughout the process

Good luck

[IanTurner]

Goldenchild, I already have a spreadsheet set up for most of my submissions and keyword analysis. I like the idea of adding in the Linking to this - it will also be a help in compiling reports for my customers.

Thank you