Be Nice: Get Links!

Don't ask for somebody to give you a link. Give that person something they want so that they are likely to link to your website.

Not only can this SEO strategy work effectively at obtaining links, it can start a flurry of viral communication. This can result in you getting a lot more than just one link.

No, not everyone will link back if offered a free gift, but not everyone will link back if you ask them to, will they?

So what are some of the ways you can give free stuff to people so that they will want to link back?

1. Give Away a Free eBook or Report

Take your knowledge and experience and put together an informative report in digital format. Make sure it contains quality information that will help people in your target market. It does not have to be lengthy as long as it provides a solution to a problem that your market is having.

In addition to people getting excited that they are receiving a free ebook or report, your shared expertise automatically distinguishes you as an expert in the field. You become the 'go-to' person for your target market, and readers are likely to think of you first when looking for solutions to future problems.

Ideally, you want to give away the free ebook on your website or wherever you want your audience to link to. You can advertise it by submitting a free press release using a service like PR Log or listing it in online ebook libraries like Free-eBooks.

2. Offer a Free Sample Product or Service

Do you have a product or service that you can offer for free? This method can work well for companies that offer downloadable software, digital books, inexpensive items or even free trial offers. (If you do a free trial offer, make sure it is a fantastic offer so that people will talk about it.)

Again, make the free sample available at your website. If you have downloadable software, you can also list it on CNET. If you are meeting prospects in person, either direct them to your website to get the free sample or give them your website address so that they can find out about more special offers or coupons.

3. Distribute Free How-to Articles that Provide Answers to Questions

Writing articles can be a quick and easy way to distribute free information and get other websites to link back to your site. The key is to offer high-value content so that other sites will want to publish your articles.

Alternatively, you can share your knowledge by answering questions on high-traffic websites like Answerbag, Askville and Yahoo Answers. Members of these sites submit questions, and people or 'experts' who know the answer or who can provide a solution can offer a very valuable service.

In any case, when developing your link-building strategy, think about giving before receiving instead of the other way around. You may be pleasantly surprised by the amount of links, attention and traffic you receive - not to mention getting a whole lot of new friends.

About the Author: Sue Barrett is the Director of Business Solutions for Home Business Center, Inc.. The website helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their own home-based businesses.