Link Building Strategy

Developing inbound links to your website serves two main purposes. First, it creates direct references to your site. Just like placing an ad in a newspaper or magazine. Many website owners trade links. Put a link to me on your site and I'll put a link to you on my site. This is called 'direct reciprocal linking'. Purchasing an ad on a major website is also a very good 'marketing tool'.

From an SEO standpoint, linkbuilding  is a tool to help a website gain 'authority'. This authority can increase your page rank and greatly increase your keyword rankings. (i.e.; to get on the first page at the major search engines) HOWEVER, this takes a different approach as there are specific rules to maximize any linking campaign for this purpose.

Direct reciprocal links and paid links do not offer any SEO value. This has been discussed at length at the major industry forums and there is general agreement that these type of linking strategies don't work for improving page rankings.

The major search engines are looking for relevant 'authority' websites to serve up in their search results. Inbound links are a big component if they are truly relevant. For example, if your site is selling real estate, then having one-way inbound links from other real estate related sites around the country would be relevant. Also, inbound links from any major news organization or industry blog is also good.