Link Up to Build SEO

Web site Search Engine Optimization (SEO) involves a myriad of elements. First, there is the programming - how things are tagged and written in the code of your site. Second is the strategic and frequent placement of Keywords throughout the site. Third.... well, the list keeps going.

But one of the major keys to increasing SEO is LINKS.

It is important to know that there are two types of links - external and internal. The latter is easy to accomplish since it is linking within your own Web site to direct people through your pages. External links are a bit trickier.

The key to external links is to acquire QUALITY links. What is a quality link? It's when a trade or industry site links to your Web site. It's when people bookmark your pages and continue to link back to them. Technorati.com writer Sally Ormand writes:

"The more relevent the links are that point back to your site, the more Google (and the other search engines) will see you as an authority on your particular subject matter. After all, if you are getting links from respected sites in your field, you must be an expert, right?"

Now, how do you acquire these authority links?

1. Create lists and submit them to bookmarking and social media sites that entice people to bookmark them. Popular bookmarking sites include Delicious and Digg.

2. Update local listings, such as your Google Maps listing, Yelp.com, SuperPages, MerchantCircle.com, etc.

3. Syndicate trade articles or reviews through sites such as EzineArticles.com or GoArticles.com that link back to your site.

4. Add your blog page to directories such as LoadedWeb.com or swap links with local organizations such as LocalAutoSpot.com (if your business is relevant to cars), the Better Business Bureau or a BNI chapter.

5. Follow other blogs in your field and make comments that show your authority on the topic and drive people to other industry bloggers through links. The goal is that they will return the favor.

SEO, like social media, is a constant effort. And, sometimes it requires purchasing linking opportunities, but only do so for Web sites with high Alexa ratings. Online business is highly competitive so continue to build your online presence and work to stay atop SEO standards.

For more ideas, contact Marketicity or for DIY ideas read 101 Ways to Build Link Popularity.