Link Bait - How to Catch 'Em, Hook, Line, and Sinker
If you know anything about search engine optimization, you know that links back to your website are important. These links are the juice that help boost your website to the top of the search engine results. And while you can spend hours searching out link opportunities online, the easiest and most beneficial way to build links is naturally. No link request emails or bot crawlers – just a genuine reader interested in sharing your post. So, how does a small business owner go about attracting these natural links? With link bait of course!
What is Link Bait?
To put it simply, link bait is unique, quality content on your website that people are willing and eager to link back to. Link baiting requires a content publisher to create a story or feature within a website that somehow convinces viewers to link back to the webpage from other websites. Either way, the core idea behind link baiting is to create and provide valuable, and more importantly, shareable resources that are unique and informative.
Five Types of Link Bait
Not sure what types of content are considered link-worthy? Here are five general formats that tend to grab eyeballs, regardless of your industry of discipline:
1) The Informational Angle
Provide your readers with tips and tricks that are relevant to your industry. Personal experiences are always popular as this will make your article more believable and easy to relate to.
2) Breaking News
Being the first in the know has it’s benefits. If you’re able to publish late breaking news to your business blog quickly you’ll greatly increase your chances of attracting quality link-backs from reputable sources. Just make sure you back up your news with sources – there’s nothing worse than having your business blog labelled as an unreliable source.
3) Make ‘Em Laugh
Humor is a great way to attract loyal followers to your website, as well as attract links. Everyone likes to laugh, so why not publish a funny story related to your line of work. People in your industry will definitely be able to relate to your situation, and will likely feel inclined to share the story with other co-workers via a link.
4) Build a Tool
One of the best ways to create link bait on your business website is to build a useful tool and publish it to your site. Take this site for example. This free tool allows you to check the rank of your website on Google for free. While the tool isn’t as sophisticated as some pay applications, it gets the job done and is a useful resource for bloggers, and small business owners. It’s also great link bait (they got me to link to them!).
5) Have an Unpopular Opinion
Controversial posts always garner extra attention. Just be forewarned – that attention isn’t always friendly! Publishing unfavorable remarks about a product, service, or another website will bring eyeballs to your business site, just remember to provide strong reasons for your opinions. You should also be prepared for counter posts and angry comments.
How do create link bait on your small business blog? Leave a comment and let us know!
