You’ve implemented keyword rich title tags, Meta tags, image alt text, and other search engine friendly tactics. Your website has keyword rich optimized content. Where do you go from there? Off-page is the answer. One of the major factors that the search engines take into account when they calculate site visibility rankings is the number of inbound links a site has. For example, let’s say on one hand you have a website that is relatively optimized but has zero inbound links. On the other hand you have a website that is somewhat optimized but has a large amount of inbound links from relevant sources. The chances are that the second site with a healthy dose of inbound links will trump the relatively optimized site in the search engines. Thus, it is a necessity that any website interested in SEO develops and pursues a link development strategy. A successful link development strategy combined with a fully optimized website is what will allow a site to achieve its full potential in the search engines. Here are a few tips for a successful link development strategy.

1. Don’t rely solely on general free directories

One of the most attractive words to any website that has a small SEO budget is FREE. However, keep in mind that general free directories are not always the best sources for inbound links. We don’t frown upon free directories…. after all they are a good foundation for any link development strategy. What we do recommend is that you diversify your directory submissions. Use free directories but don’t strictly rely on them. Locate industry relevant directories and submit your site to them. When the search engines calculate site visibility rankings they take into account the relevancy of your inbound link. A link from a content relevant directory will have more value than a link from a general and non-related source. Using a combination of both general free directories and industry relevant free directories is the best strategy to achieve a general foundation of links.

2. Diversity is good

Directories are not the only way to obtain inbound links. Try looking at other sources throughout the web, such as blogs and free press release submission sites. Blogs are highly valued in the search engines because they consist of regularly updated links. By leaving a keyword rich comment with an embedded link you stand to gain an inbound link that will be quickly indexed by the search engines and be even more valuable than a link generated from a directory submission.

3. Don’t forget your local listings

Local search listings are all the rage these days. Make sure that you’ve claimed your local listings from different sites, such as Google and Bing. Include descriptions that appeal to your target audience. However, don’t forget to incorporate keywords that you’re targeting for SEO. A local listing is a prime opportunity for you to generate a link that has massive appeal to the search engines. These are just a few ways that can help get you started on the path to success in the search engines. However, these are only basic tactics and we recommend that any site pursue a more developed and long lasting link development strategy. While these tips may sound simple, they are actually rather time consuming. Effects from a link development strategy can sometimes take up to three months or more. At Fish Marketing, our Search Engine Marketing team can help you develop and implement a successful link development strategy.