SEO has changed, and we believe for the better. No longer can websites rank highly in the search engine results based primarily on keyword-stuffed content. Sure, keywords are still essential; without them, humans or search engines wouldn’t find your site. However, effective SEO campaigns today are based largely around quality content that is original and valuable to the reader, along with strong incoming links. Link building has been – and will be for the long-term – a key factor of SEO that you do NOT want to overlook!

Think of incoming links to your web pages as “votes” for your website. Other website owners don’t typically link to a page unless they like it and find it compelling or useful. Google analyzes the links that flow into your pages in order to determine if your website is “important.” Strong links from authority sites and social media can give your website a much-needed boost in the search engine results.

It’s just the nature of the beast, but trusted sites tend to link to other sites that they deem trustworthy, while spammy or “junk” sites that offer no real value to visitors typically get very few strong incoming links. Webmasters simply do not want to link to sites that provide little or no value, because it could hurt their own ranking. And, why would a trusted, high-traffic website want to send their visitors to “junk” anyway? It could cost them their reputation.

In order to achieve the highest possible success with link building, it’s important that you keep in mind all links are not created equal. Here are the 3 basic types of links:

Links based on quality content – These links are given with no persuasion from you, simply that fact that your content is relevant and compelling, and other sites want to share the value with their readers.

Manual and suggested links – Webmasters often ask other website or blog owners to put up their links, or submit their sites to directories (free or paid).

Self-created links – You can build incoming links all day long through blog commenting, user profiles, forum signatures, even guest posting on blogs. While these links aren’t particularly strong links, they can have a positive effect on your ranking in great numbers.

The point is, never focus solely on keyword optimization and other on-page factors when implementing an SEO campaign. Remember that valuable incoming links are just as important, and keep your eye on the prize!

If you’re in the market for a full service SEO package, give us a call at 1-877-323-0661 or email us at support@ebbinteractive.com to see how we can help you. We always give a free, no obligation consultation before you pay a dime!

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