When going about asking a site for a link on their page, how do you ask?

[toddmumford]

Very nicely.

And by phone, where possible.

[Benj25]

I agree with EGOL, it is easier to get a link when the site is already linking to content similar to yours in the first instance.

I try my best to build a good working relationship with them in the first instance and not just jump in and ask for a link.

So I open a dialogue on Twitter, Facebook or by email / phone, I send them free books and help them out and then I ask for a link when they are favourable to our company and cause.

[jmporchet]

As we all know, some links are better than others, some are even worth spending 5+ hours before making the request.

But if your time budget is tight, I would suggest the following, which is done in 5-10 minutes and still adds some (minimal) value to the other party:

• identify the link prospect,
• install Xenu Link Sleuth, run it on the target's website and hope for some errors,
• write your outreach email, include the errors you've found, and if possible a potential solution.

Something like

"I was browsing your website and encountered a [interesting error] which might be because [possible reason why].
By the way, would you be interested in [your offer]?".

Obviously adapt this with acitrano's answer.

[matmox]

Exactly. Thumbs up!

[connectiveWeb]

A couple techniques that have proven to increase conversions on email requests:

• Flattery: Try to find something that you genuinely like about the site you are requesting a link from and mention it. Appeal to the webmaster.
• Help out: Use a tool like "Check Page Links" on their website to try to find any broken links. If the links that are broken happen to be a perfect match for the type of content you are trying to get a link for you can simply say "I noticed that you have a broken link on this page and we have perfect content that you could link to in it's place".

Both of these should help your success rate

[EGOL]

I am sure that flattery works well most of the time..... but as soon as I see it I am reaching for a can of Raid.

[connectiveWeb]

haha

[utahseopros]

Personalizing your emails is key

[ClickValueMedia]

Just a quick question. Do you position youeself as an employee of the client company or as a marketing/seo company representing the client?

D

[LawSEOGuy]

Give away more than you get. I give the "right" link partner a 5 to 1 link exchange. They get 5 directory links I get 1 home page link.

[johnshearer]

EGOL...give ten people a free $100 bill...and two people will complain how they cannot use a $100 bill at a gas station; why not 5 $20's instead.

[TimKelsey]

I go for the agency representing a client position, but I'd like to hear what everyone else has to say about this. I've often wondered if a message directly from the client would be more effective.

[Entrusteddev]

I go for transparency everytime and tell them I represent or work on behalf of the client.

Best to be upfront and not get rubbled and sour a potential relationship.

[BurstMarketing]

Outspoken Media did a killer post about using personas. It's largely geared towards blog commenting, but it could definitely be applied to lots of different situations.

http://outspokenmedia.com/online-marketing/personae-ethics/

[warcom]

Asking for back links, kinda seems a lot like begging to me.

And not many people like to give money to beggers.

But having said that; the best way to go about it would obviously be to start within the circles of people you actually know.

Don't just go and approach random website owners; they'll think you're shady. (I know I do!) -> instant delete!

Build up a relationship with site owners and over time, then ask. But not before you've posted a link to their site first.

Scratch their back -> before asking if they will scratch yours.

ps: I gave EGOL a thumbs up! And those who said he should have been given one, I gave you all thumbs up too. Share the love!

[SteveOllington]

But not before you've posted a link to their site first.

But then it's merely a reciprocal link, and 9 times out of 10 will be less in value. I'd rather get the link through another hook, though I agree something must be in it for them too.

[Guest]

This post is deleted!

[EGOL]

Ha ha... that is really a good one.  Thanks!

[TheeDigital]

Add value to your content and you won't need to beg for site owners to get links to your website. People would link to you on their own.

You can also tweet and post your links on Facebook; or add "real/valuable" blog comments with a link to your site.

[lonniea]

Even though I personally agree with Egol, it doesn't mean that Trevor will like the answer. Egol is correct, however I feel Trevor's question is still not answered the way he would like. His problem is not getting any responses back and perhaps he's been doing the exact instructions as Egol has generously suggested but still getting nowhere.

There are many ways to get people to interact with you.

Here are list of favourable ways I use to get a site to respond.

1. Use their Contact Us form or Support channel. Create a ticket.

2. Offer a small monthly fee of $5.00/mth. Most times, they simply respond and make a clean exchange. the initial response is what you're looking for. Don't wait 24 hours. Act immdiately!

3. If the site has a great reputation and authority, make a post which includes a follow in the upper part of your article (above the fold). Next contact the owner and ask if your post link (anchor is okay). Perhaps send a support ticket.

4. Offer a free gift in exchange for the linkback.

5. Using RSS feeds is extremely powerful these days in creating easy one way do follow linkbacks to your site.

6. Social bookmarking sites like LinkedIn and StumbleUpon work extremely well with Yahoo Pipes.

The above has worked well for me and I'm sure it will for you. Especially #3, 4 & 5. You can also purchase great backlink sites instructional PDF's that contain  *.org & *.edu domains. Complete step-by-step how to place your link in a very professional manner.

I hope this helped.

Lonnie Amirault