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

[EGOL]

But, I figure there are those out there that don't like this answer,  not because it is wrong, but because it is not easy. So, they are not thumbing down the user so much as they are thumbing down the fact that there is not a $99 tool that will get you all the back links you want without having to make any friggin' effort.

Thank you Marcus.  I enjoyed your answer!

I actually got a chuckle out of the thumb downs.  Those folks will never have a site with thousands of kickass links.

More for the rest of us!   

[damon1212]

I'm learning that there are no shortcuts.  So many people think that because "it's the internet" that "there must be an app for that".

Elbow grease.  The Original App.

[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!