Link Building Through Blogs

[USHoleInOne]

A client of mine wants to look into new areas of link building after convincing them that their current link building strategies (purchasing multiple links from god knows where) was not working well for them. Essentially I felt they were spinning their wheels.

Now, we are looking into content related blogs to get some honest links for their site. They sell sports equipment and we are looking at sports blogs to get links/partnerships. Most of these blogs want sponsorship fees or advertising fees.

From an ethical standpoint I understand buying links is not the best idea. But because these are blogs that earn traffic, have relevant content, and can be helpful for the advertisement aspect to link to people who might be interested in their products as well.

There shouldn't be a problem in acquiring a few of these links if the budget allows for it, correct? Also are blogs a good source to acquire links from?

[PaulRogers]

Why don't you get them to try and review things? This has always worked really well for me.

You could also do something a bit more creative like a competition based on the best story, post or article (on their blog), a sports blogger award (nomination badge placed on blog linking to page on your website containing details of the award) or asking to become a guest contributor.

Blogs are a really good way to go though as they update their content regularly and gather lots of good links.

[EGOL]

Consider posting excellent content in a dedicated area of the merchants site..... great articles such as...

"How to select a mountain bike tire for sand, mud, rocky, road or leaf litter surfaces"

"How to change a mountain bike tire in 60 seconds"

A sporting goods site could have hundreds of these articles that answer common customer questions and demonstrate expertise and credibility.  They also sell products such as the tools needed to change that tire.

Mountain bike blogs will link to these articles individually or as a collection if you have done a great job.  Ask them to write one for you and they will link to it bragging (and you get free content).

These will be articles with lots of photos, quotes from experienced riders, short video and more.   They can attract links from mountain bike clubs, manufacturers, bloggers and more.