Link Me Up – Don'ts When Asking for Links

Is asking for links still really the best way to get them? Or should we frequent blogs and forums, or Twitter our heads off? Asking bloggers for links directly seems to be one of the best ways to get a response and yields higher quality links – but there is a protocol to be followed here!

Don’t ask for links to your post if it’s on a topic they’ve already written about! This makes you look like a total schmuck- like you don’t even read their blog.

Don’t get ticked off if they don’t use your link or even reply. Many bloggers get so many ‘check out this link’ emails that they can’t possibly link to every one or acknowledge everyone with a reply.  Follow up once, then move on.

Only sdubmit links that are relevant and useful. Why does a blogger in the techno world want to link to you if your site is about dog grooming? Stay with bloggers in your niche, or related fields.

Choose carefully which posts to promote. You might think a post is amazingly clever, but otehrs might not find it so fascinating. Think about the blogger’s audience and try to pick a post you think their readershp will appreciate.

Add that personal touch: Just taking the time to write a personal email and making sure you say something specific about one of teh posts on their blog so they know you really read it can make a big difference. Don’t be an automaton or a spammer. That will get you nowhere fast. Introduce yourself and explain why you think it would be a beneficial thing for them to link to you.

Keep it short and useful. Don’t share your life story. Get to the point – introduction, this is what I have, this is why it might be valuable to you, thanks for considering linking to me. That’s it.

Only ask for links to original content. When you ask for a link to your own story you have a much better chance of good response if it is original content. If it’s a story that you’re linking to, make it your own by adding a healthy serving of your own comments. –

Enjoy your new links!