Strewth! I was looking at a couple of SEO websites and saw that one of them offers to create a Link Bait campaign for other sites. Seems a good idea, but then I noticed the price - $9,950. And there are no refunds!It shows the money making potential if you have the guts to ask for it - and have a knowledge of the subject, of course.
Putting this aside Link Baiting is something that we should all try - though sometimes we do this without actually realising that this is what we are doing.
To put it as simply as possible Link Bait is creating a post that others will want to visit again and/or will want to share the post with others. In other words it's a post that will attract a lot of links.
The post may be just text or perhaps a video, a web tool or an image. What it has to do is create a lot of interest and so create a viral effect bringing you lots of incoming links. It's about creating a buzz.
There are a myriad ways of doing this. The standard advice is to do this is by:
Being Newsworthy: Release or create an important piece of news or something that your specific niche will be desperate to read - probably something they haven't heard about before. Become a ground breaker.
Being Funny: Humour (or humor to those in the USA) is what makes the Internet go round - a funny cartoon, picture, video or story.
Being Controversial: Yes, upset a few people, take an opposing viewpoint from the norm, go into a rage or rant and, before you know what has happened, the subject is being talked about on other sites and forums (with those important links to what you have written).
Being Resourceful: Simply tell others where to get specific things relative to your niche. A nice long list should bring links in return. Or provide any other resource or reference.
There are lots and lots more ways if you put your mind to the subject.
Once the Bait has been laid do everything possible to promote your post - and know how you are going to go about this prior to publishing. It's no good laying bait without a trap.
Think: Social Networking, Blog Comments, Help From Blogging Friends, Keywords - make the post Keyword Rich (include the Keyword(s) within the title), Relevant Outward Links within the post (this may encourage a return link), Forums and so on.
As with most things in successful Blogging, Link Baiting takes effort and planning but the dividends can be amazing.
Link Bait = Inward Links = More Visitors = More Money (Income)
Good luck,
Mike.
