PR1 and PR2 backlinks

[BobGW]

We're doing some content marketing. I've heard that it is a good idea to target even PR1 and PR2 sites (small DA sites). I'm concerned about these sites disappearing after a few months, as we've found that losing a backlink can sting a bit and be worse than never having it. Though this isn't as big a deal any more.

Anyways, can somebody say when a PR1/PR2 backlink would be appropriate to go after? Some of them would be easy and if it's appropriate I'd like to include them. So far they would only pass our standards if they are

Above PR0

Look like a white hat, quality site from the outside

Have a clean backlink profile

Look like they're going to stick around

Successful Social Media Accounts a plus

What are you guys' criteria for including these sites? Do you gain value from them?

[Chris.Menke]

Bob,

Don't get focused on the PR of your back links. Relevancy and quality are what matter most.  A thematically relevant site with quality content and a PR of 0 that links out to you for all the right reasons is a good link. It may be a future PR 1,2,3 or more site and it can bring traffic to your site, in addition to balancing out anchor text and providing domain diversity.  Another thing, almost all sites come and go so basing your link building on the likelihood of a site being around in a few years isn't a good strategy to follow.

[BobGW]

Chris,

Being new at Link Building, would it be appropriate to reach out to low PR and easy pickings to get some traction. I started a campaign for this client targeting high PR sites and it took too much time to get anywhere. Link building is such a huge task and I almost just want to add high quality content instead with the time that I have. Your thoughts?

[TakeshiYoung]

Link building is a necessary task, as links are still the primary factor that Google looks at when evaluating your site.

I would go for the highest PR links you think you can get. PageRank is logarithmic, which means a PR3 links is roughly 100 times higher on the PR scale than a PR2 link. It can be easier to approach smaller sites when you are just starting out, but if you have the chance at getting a PR5 link, that's worth a lot more than getting a dozen PR2s.

[Chris.Menke]

Quality content is good but it's not enough by itself.  Here's the "formula":

• Define and understand the wants and needs of the target audience(s). (marketing)
• Research and interact with your audience(s) and learn what blogs and social profiles influence them. (social media)
• Research and establish relationships with audience influencers to understand their goals   (PR)
• Create content that achieves the goals of the influencers and that the audience will consume, endorse and share. (content creation)
• Implement authorship and understand what makes a link valuable (SEO)
• Reach out to influencers to publish your content

Rinse and repeat.