Link bait. It sounds like something a bit sneaky, doesn’t it? Something possibly a little bit black hat and underhanded. Yet link baiting, when properly done, is a very effective (and completely ethical) way for you to earn honest, organic traffic and inbound links to your site.
The key to doing it right is to ensure that you are creating your link bait in a way that not only seems like a natural extension of your existing work but will also offer something of value to your target audience. You want to make them spontaneously link to your page and pass your links on to their friends. To get that done, here are three things you will want to keep in mind.
Keep It Relevant
Link bait is designed to be eye catching and attention grabbing. It’s a hook, for lack of a better term. Yet you don’t want your hook to stick out or it will be obvious to the fish. Thus, whatever you are using to hook in eyeballs needs to be relevant and consistent with the overall theme and structure of your site. This is the way to catch new visitors that will convert into long-term clients.
You don’t get this right when you just post something eye-catching that doesn’t flow with the rest of your page, product line, or business mission. For example, Robert Pattinson widgets may be massively popular right now thanks to the Twilight craze, but unless you are a Twilight fan site, using this to hook in new traffic would be foolish. Don’t use link baiting to deviate from the purpose of your website, and you’ll maximize the organic results you achieve.
Create Good Content
Just like with all of the other material on your website, link bait works best when it’s good. Previously, this blog has covered some of the ways not to get the job done. You don’t want to spam, create fluff, or run off at your mouth to get and maintain quality traffic from your link baiting.
Instead, think of something that would really mean something to your core market. Have a good brainstorming session tonight and think of the kinds of information your target audience would kill to get their hands on—even if it’s just a snippet! Pick two or three of your top ideas, create them, and watch the effects.
Continue To Maintain The Conversation
Actually, don’t just watch the effects. A good way to leverage link bait is to keep the conversation flowing. If it’s a blog, start responding in the comments section, or start building off of the success of the post with follow ups. Update your web copy. Whatever you do, don’t treat the link bait like an oddity or one-off. Build on the natural success and continue to take the conversation—and your rankings—to the next level.
Ready to learn more about how an effective quality link building strategy can skyrocket your website’s popularity? If so, please feel free to call us here at WSpider, we’re eager to help you and answer any questions you might have!
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