Improving Your Search Engine Optimization Through Link-Building
Search engine optimization is important in getting your business listed at the top of the search results that are most important to you. There are many factors and complicated algorithms that Google and other search engines use to determine the results of a user’s search. One of these factors is external links directing to your business’ website. When your website is listed on third-party sites, with links directing back to your own page, this is looked at favorably by the search engines and can greatly improve your organic search standings.
Focus on Relationships When Doing Link-Building Efforts
The more links that you can have pointing back to your business’ website, the better for your search engine optimization. However, it is important that these links are obtained legitimately. Some sites will advertise this type of link-building. This is a dangerous practice, as this type of link-building is a big no-no for Google and other search engines. If you utilize this practice and it is discovered, you can risk having your site banned from the search engines entirely.
Not all external links are created equal. Links that are listed on another website at the top of the page that direct back to your website are more valuable than those buried in the footer of a page. A site that uses anchor text, linking these words back to your website, is also extremely useful in improving your search engine standings.
The challenge for any business is to find legitimate ways to build external links for your website. Furthermore, connecting with suppliers, partners and other local businesses is a great way to do just that. Offering to return the favor, exchanging links to one another’s web site, can go a long way to improving the search engine optimization for both businesses.
Content Creation for Others Can Help with These SEO Efforts
Another way to build external links to your website is by creating content for other businesses to use on their own site. As a result, you be able to incorporate links back to your own business. Focus on industry forums, local organizations and other sources that would be interested in unique content generated for their site. You can create this content, while also building in links with anchor text back to your own website. As a result, businesses will in turn get fresh copy for their website and your business will build external links, improving your SEO.
Websites that include a resources page, linking to other business websites, are also a good contact to get your business listed. Furthermore, reach out to these organizations and request that your business be included in their list of resources. Industry organizations, chambers, and networking groups are a good resource for this. Including your own Resources page on the web site can give you the opportunity to return the favor to these businesses, through a link exchange.
Focusing on link-building is another great way to build your business’ search engine optimization, making sure your website is in front of potential customers that may be searching for your services.
