SEO ranking is only getting more and more difficult to predict. With the algorithm continuously changing, once you think you have it figured out, it just changes again. However, one thing that will definitely remain consistent is link building. Google has come out and said that link building is in the top three factors that help your rankings. So, I don’t know about you but, I think that is is something to continuously work on to grow your business. Responsival has put together a list of ways to start to build your links, check them out below!

Link building basics

In its simplest form, link building is the process of getting your link to be featured in other quality websites. It is important that your link is featured on other, professional websites and companies. If your link is on poor quality websites, your link will become associated with those bad websites, and Google will know. Another thing - having your website on great, reputable websites will do a lot more for your SEO ranking than an unpopular, low traffic one.

Building your links organically takes a lot of time, effort, and skill. By earning the back links and producing good content, your link building is going to be that more successful. However, it does not come easy and takes a long time to build the reputation. The list below are some ways to give your links the boost they need.

Where to start

Not sure how to start the process of building your links? Start with a backlink analysis. The process of backlink analysis involves looks at all of the places (links, websites, etc.) that link to your website and other pages. This involves analyzing how many websites or articles link to your website, the quality of the domains and links, the popularity of those pages, the number of backlinks, the anchor text - the list goes on and on. This is important to gain a base understanding of where you are in the link building process, and the strengths and weaknesses that you have. Some great tools to start the process are Majestic and Open Site Explorer. These can aid you in making your links as successful as they can be.

How to build your links

Find your niche

It is important to find your topic niche, and stick with it. Google likes relevant content, content that is industry specific and full of knowledge. One way to build your links is to keep it relevant. You are then providing unique, useful information to the individual followers of your niche. Google will pick up on the fact that you are consistent and full of knowledge, and increase your SEO ranking.

Placement

Believe it or not, it is important where in the article your link lies. If your link is in the body text, right in the center of the page, you are good to go. If your links are found off to the side or in the footnotes, it will not do as much for your SEO ranking. Bottom line - make sure that when you link your articles, that they are front and center.

Topic specific

There is a concept called “local” popularity. It means that websites that are topic specific carry more weight that websites that specialize in various different things. For example, if my cooking website was linked to a William-Sonoma article, that would be a lot more important for my rankings than if it was on a Buzzfeed article. Google takes into account the source of the linking, adding it to the relevancy of your article.

Anchor text

The words within a link, also known as anchor or link text, affect how the Google algorithm tracks your searches and page popularity. The search engine looks at the anchor text as that you are an expert on that topic that you are writing about. Thus, the more knowledge the computer thinks you have, the higher your link will be ranked.

Add images

If you have original pictures in your link on the web, there is a good chance that people are using those images in their own blogs, websites, and posts. One way to up your link game is by taking some great images, and including them in your websites and posts. This way, people will give you image credit, link your page, and increase your link portfolio. And if it is a great picture, good chance people will click on the source and check out your content next.

All in all, link building is a great way to up your SEO game. Although it takes time to get it down, it is a crucial element to building your brand. These are not the only ways to increase your linkage, but it is a great place to start the process. And if this list seems like way too much to swallow, don’t worry, we got you covered. Check out Responsival and give us a call - we can help you out!