How do you find other sites to link your site too?

[paulbaguley]

The best way to find sites that you can appoach for links.

[Brother22]

It takes a lot of work but here is how I like to do it.

Take the keyword you want to target like "Toy Cars"

Plug your keyword into google keyword tool (it's free)

I take the top one hundred results and compile them into a spreadsheet. Then I will take each keyword referred by Google Keywords one by one and do a google search. I take the highest ranking sites from the SERPs and put them into a future contact list. after I have gone through all of the keywords you should have a large website contact list. Then just work through contacting the sites and see if you can build a relationship with them and set up a link with their site!

I hope this helps, it usually works the best for me

[EssEEmily]

Jake's approach is right on. Key is building that relationship and reaching out in a personalized way.

Some people on the SEOMoz forum disagree with this tactic, but I also check who is linking to my competitors for the keywords I want to target. You can use OSE for this. It's a great way to find relevant linking opportunities. Some would argue that getting the same links as your competitors is fruitless. I agree if that is all you are doing. Combine it with Jake's strategy and you will be on the right path.

[paulbaguley]

Thanks for your reply Jake,

So after you have your list would you contact the company via email or telephone?

Also do you have many people you contact wanting a reciprocal link?

[paulbaguley]

Hi

Thanks for replying

So if you did not get any joy from competitors wanting to link to your site what would be your next step.

[Brother22]

It depends on the available contact information. I usually try to call if it's a very high ranking site or someone I really want to link to. That makes establishing a relationship a lot easier in my opinion. In addition you never know where your email will end up (usually in a spam folder to be deleted). If you do receive an email correspondence, it's best to try to establish a relationship before flat out asking for a link.

Almost everyone that you contact is going to want a reciprocal link. That just the world of SEO. What you can try to do is bargain with them by offering them dynamic discounts on merchandise or  Kicking them some links on your social media outlets.

The real trick is to seek out websites that WANT to link to you and you bet they're out there! if you can find them then the links come easy.

[EssEEmily]

Hi Paul,

It is important to note that I am talking about getting the links that link to your competitors' sites - not links from the competitors' sites themselves (though if you can get those by all means). These sites are already linking to a site with a similar topic to yours so the thought is they may be easier to get.

For instance, if you sell a product and find a blog has reviewed a competitors' product, write to them and see if they would be interested in trying out your product. Chances are, they will be willing to give it a try. If not, no biggie - move on to the next.

You may also find relevant (quality) directories and publications this way.

Bonus: You may learn something you didn't know about your competitors.

Does that make sense?

[paulbaguley]

Hi

Yes that makes perfect sense and thank you for your input on this. It is much appreciated.

Thanks

[paulbaguley]

Thanks for this Jake

I will try this technique and let you know if I have any joy

Thanks again