The Net Impact Roadmap

Recently, we looked at the importance of backlinks.  So now that you know your goal, how do you go about getting there? 

That’s where link bait comes into play.  Link bait is any sort of content that causes other websites to link to your website.  It is a proverbial hook to entice other people to link to your website.  The quick and easy way to describe link bait is any sort of content that is interesting to the website viewer.   

I can certainly elaborate on what specifically is good link bait.  With a seven-year history running and contributing to content-based websites, I have gained a good idea of what specifically draws website viewers in and gets them backlinking.  And even if your website is product-based and has absolutely nothing to do with content, the following list should still be very applicable for almost any website. 

1. Lists

Lists (such as this one) are great link bait.  My most popular link bait has always been top 10 rankings.  The lists always create debate on other websites, blogs and message boards.  In turn, that creates backlinks from each of these sources.  If you can create ranking lists that can be debated over, you have a great source for link bait.  Just think about all the times you have seen a magazine or company’s rankings on television news or newspapers. 

2. Viral Content

The phrase “viral video” is more popular than “viral content,” but developing either can pay huge dividends for your website.  You have surely seen viral videos on YouTube and other video sources.  Those are the videos that everyone has seen, as they are passed along by colleagues, friends and family because of their humor or innovation.  Viral content has these same qualities.  Some of the most popular websites and blogs on the internet have become popular purely based on viral content. 

3. Something Innovative

Speaking of viral content innovation, innovative articles or content that are more traditional can also be good link bait.  Innovative studies, research and commentary that is unique and has never been presented before is an excellent way to get attention and backlinks. 

4. Humor

This one slightly falls under the viral content, just as the innovative note does.  Truly humorous content can create rapid visits and backlinking.  A great example is The Onion, an online fake news publication that has become famous just because of its humor.  Of course, this strategy is not right for everybody, as there are some topics and websites where humor is not easily presented or inappropriate.   

5. Product Reviews

Have you ever researched a product online before you bought it?  I assume your answer is yes.  Product reviews are an excellent way to get links from other websites and message boards.  Plus, they are an easy way to develop useful content on your website that the search engines will like. 

6. Give Aways

People love free stuff.  If not free, they love to buy stuff for the cheapest possible prices.  Websites like Woot.com have been surviving solely based on this fact.  There are other directory and review websites such as Spoofee.com that post great deals found at online stores.  Getting in the door of these types of websites with penetration pricing tactics is an excellent way to draw attention to your website and other products. 

7. Blogs

A blog can include almost all of the elements listed above, with the added benefits of a regular readership, community involvement, additional pages for search engines to index and possibly even advertising revenue.   

Developing link bait can be easier said than done.  What you may think is your most attractive potential link bait might get absolutely no attention from users.  Then some content or ideas that you produce on a whim could be your best link bait.  There is never a way to know for sure what public reaction will be and if you will have a true piece of link bait.  It does not hurt to try, though.

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