Competitor Analysis Comes Up Short

[nutjobshell]

Hey guys,

The site i am working on is not necessarily in a totally niche market, however when I analyze the links that the competitors have for our target keywords all that I see is pr releases, article submissions and predominately directory listings.  I am still learning SEO so bare with me, but I was going to start my campaign trying to guest blog and provide good content on well ranked sites.  I was hoping my competitors link building campaigns would give me an insight as to where to go? I am now wondering if I am taking the right route. A little re-assurance would go a long way

[jesse-landry]

you're in a good spot! I find myself in a similar position. Our competitors to this day participate in a ton of black hat seo tactics. For whatever stupid reason, Penguin hasn't hit them. YET. I believe with all of my heart that they will be affected in the near future, possibly the next big update, and all of my efforts will be rewarded.

I think you are in the same boat. Continue your proper SEO tactics, building content, social media, guest blogging on relevant sites, etc and I would be willing to bet you will be rewarded in the long run. The tricky thing about this industry is not gaining instant gratification in a world like the internet where instant gratification is the norm.

So good luck balancing that and I'm rootin' for ya!

[EGOL]

...all that I see is pr releases, article submissions and predominately directory listings.

I see the same thing.   I don't go after those types of links.  I just use that as a sign that the competition is easy.

So I write lots of content for my products... how they are used, how to maintain them, ideas of things to try.  These articles get my site out there for lots of keywords, they attract a few links and in this type of competition just a few genuine links are move valuable than a ton of PR, directories and syndicated articles.

[nutjobshell]

Thanks Egol, I thought so i just wanted to check. I too am writing a blog and adding info about my products which I think customers will be interested to read.  Thanks so much for your advice.

[nutjobshell]

Hey Jesse, Thanks its good to know. I was just a little un nerved by what my research showed, but I guess your right if i get things right now It should be future proof!

Thanks for putting my mind at ease