How Do You Get Authority Sites You Drool Over

To Mention Or At Least Notice You? Link or No Link

[hairycoo]

I have a niche site that's part of a broader subject with lots of authority websites. My site (purely informational) is built around a specialty product.

I want the site to become the trusted advisor of this niche and being aknowledged by these authority websites would be of huuuge help on every level - traffic, credibility, links. Still got some way to go before the site is good enough to be worthy of their attention... but once it is, how do I get them to notice it?

These authority sites (both govt and associations) are loaded with consumer information and also appear very strict in their linking policy (e.g. they only link out to OTHER associations and govt sites). They don't appear to accept editorial contributions, either.

I'm prepared to go all the way (and I'm not in any hurry to get there) -- learn about their PR person, email and even call them up but to what end if they can't link or accept an editorial contribution?

I was thinking of getting them involved by interviewing one of their experts or involving them in a research (survey) on industry problems. This may or may not work, but I'm looking forward to more suggestions.

How do you get the authority sites you drool over to mention you... link or no link?

[treeline]

Start by being an excellent site. Both provide accurate information, and do it in a simple, easy to find and understand way. The hard part is making it simple for average web browsing folk. This will set you apart, then add cool tools unique to your sector.

If it's good, people will recommend to friends, other sites will link unasked. Once it's been at this stage for a while, improve it. Make it simpler.

Then get to know the people you're targeting, ask them for HELP on some key question, to be sure you get something right. Don't come right out and ask for the link, get them involved in helping you. If you're a polite person who's generous with praise and thanks, they'll want to help you more.

[hairycoo]

Hey treeline, thanks. As I said I do want it to be the best in this niche and a truly useful resource to people, whether it means they end up liking the product or not.

The idea of getting them involved is a great one. Authorities usually have several contacts... should I be trying to talk to their web person, PR person or someone higher up about getting them involved somehow?

Thanks.

[twist]

I faced and still face the same situation. Here is how I approach the problem. First and foremost, give them a reason to link to you. Offer a unique service that no one else offers for your particular niche. Find all the websites you want to link to you that already have a link section. Just send their website person/manager an email with plenty of information about you and what you have to offer their visitors. Be sure to have a place on your website to link back to them, and don't just create a generic link, write a whole article about how great their website is. Show them this wonderful article you wrote about their website. Tell them what your future plans for your website are.

Using this strategy I was able to get a major government website to not only link to me but modify their website to fit my link. I am the only non-government site they link to. I get an average of 3 responses for every 10 sites I email.

[hairycoo]

Wow twist, that's really great stuff. Only problem is I offer information not products or services... I'll have to coin a unique service.

[sugarrae]

>>>Only problem is I offer information not products or services

Get creative. ;-) I have one informational site where I compare information in a unique way via a program. No other site has it. Just think a bit and I'm sure you'll come up with some things to seperate yourself from the pack.

[trillianjedi]

I'll have to coin a unique service.

Welcome to modern-day SEM.

TJ

[twist]

A few ideas,

Look into API's, it might be more difficult if you don't know a lot of programming but there are so many tutorials out there that you might be able to wing it.

Flash or Swish can be used to create unique tutorials, interactive videos or interactive images.

Find and sort RSS feeds about your niche (think of google news).

Public user comment area, no government sites have places where the common visitor can share a comment or opinion which can be read by other visitors.

[hairycoo]

Great stuff to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks guys. The really good ideas require programming so that makes it a bit more tricky but I'll think of something.