White hat techniques for difficult niches

[Blink-SEO]

Hi all. We've been approached by a client in the online gambling sector about white hat link building. Much of our focus is on guest blogging, but most sites have a no gambling policy. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas for link building ethically for tricky niches.

[Dubs]

Yikes...  an online gambling site!  I'd try to focus on social media link building as much as possible. The guest blogs are going to be very difficult given the subject matter.  Build out the social profiles and generate content to share on the networks.

[kchandler]

What about playing off of the things that make this company a legitimate company unlike the scammy/spammy online gaming sites. Perhaps expand on what they do in their community, highlighting team members, or choose a charity to sponsor were proceeds are donated on a monthly basis. Essentially making a emotional link to end users.

From there you could also create a blog that focuses on more natural yet still relevant topics like poker strategies, how to play black jack, infographic on odds of winning a big jackpot, etc.. You could also have contest that could tie into social media, perhaps have end users choose what top prizes would be for payout in the next contest?

I think the biggest thing you need to get away from is trying to build the link but instead build the community. Like we have seen with MOZ a strong community will bring in new customers and new links.

Hope this helps!

[lewislove]

I'm really interested to see the responses to this one! I'm currently working with a brand who sit on the fence between the adult industry and fashion industry. For me, it would be an awful lot easier if they moved their products and overall brand towards the fashion side of things as many websites get put off by the 'suggestive nature' of the site, even though there is no nudity.

So far, my strategy has been to outreach to the leading voices within the adult industry, along with developing relationships with similar brands. So far, there have been a few collaborations, and it's going well, but the scope to this strategy is limited.

In your case, perhaps you could reach out to some of the prominent online players? You could also position your blog to be 'against' the rest of the online gambling world. The latter suggestion is possibly a recipe for disaster with backlash from competitors, but if it gets you noticed for the right reasons, I think you could be on to a winner. It's such a crowded (and spammy) marketplace, I'd suggest you to take Seth Godin's advice in Purple Cow in order to stand out.

I'm really interested to see what other suggestions come from this Q.

PS. Dubs and Kyle both make good suggestions too!

[Cashking]

Go to different conferences and meet other people from your industry. It is the best way no matter if it is gambling, betting or other topics that your website is about.

Another thing you can do to build links is trying to create something that ONLY can be found on your website. I know a few that have had great success with infographics in the gambling niche.