I have spoken a lot about the importance of creating good, relevant content for your website and/or blog. Great posts can lead to others linking to it, which helps increase your chances of being found. But there are many other ways to generate incoming links to your business' website. Here are 4 tips to gain links, to increase leads, and make your business more profitable:
1. Do something newsworthy in your community. Hosting or sponsoring community events and supporting local causes and charities can get you noticed by your local paper or magazine which can turn into back links from their websites. The popularity of a website means a link to your site from it is more valuable. Many newspapers and magazines have strong sites and the best way to get a link is to make the news. Even if the papers don't pick up your story, you can always put out a press release via an online service such as PRWeb.com, which can include links back to your website.
2. Make relationships with people who offer complementary services or products. Bankers, lawyers, and accountants are obvious choices. Many will have websites and social profiles and will jump at the chance to exchange links. It may also give you the opportunity to exchange articles. If you write a guest article for another website, it is acceptable to include links in that article back to your website.
3. Find local directories. The Better Business Bureau and your local Chamber of Commerce generally have online directories of members which provide back links. Many cities also have official and unofficial business directories where local businesses can add their listings.
4. Post to social media regularly. This is a great way to let others know about new business listings, new employees, and completed sales. From there interested individuals can share it on their pages and blogs which will increase your link count.