Link Baiting is one of those new buzz words that you may or may not be familiar with. Link Baiting is really nothing more than creating something on your site that attracts people’s attention and inspires them to share the link with other people.
When people link to one of your pages on their website, blog, forums, or social bookmarking site, two things happen.
Benefits of Link Bait
First, Google and the other search engines take notice. If they weren’t aware of your before, they will be now. Google counts links to your page as a popularity vote… and it’s good to be popular in the eyes of Google.
Second, and most importantly, actual people will see the link to your site. Ideally they will like what they see and will link to you, buy something from you, subscribe to your email list, and just generally say nice things about you.
With the right link bait, it’s pretty easy to become viral.
Popular types of Link Bait
There are many types of link bait and not all will work for your business. Pick and choose the ones that apply.
Informational - I think this is the most beneficial because the information is directly related to your business. Create a top 10 list, how to videos, special reports, and provide useful information that your customers are looking for.
Funny -Everyone loves to laugh but it can be tricky to pull off. On the Celebrity Apprentice last night, the task was to create a viral video for laundry soap. One team created a very funny video but still ended up “losing” because it didn’t relate enough to the brand or to the right demographic.
If you decide to use humor as link bait, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to attract people who will be interested in your business.
News - Create fresh and up-to-date information. Whether it be in print, photos, video, or some other form. If it’s unique, people will share it. Examples: interview a prominent person, announce a contest, give your opinion on latest industry news, tie your business in with a local event.
Controversial -Start a debate, Say something shocking, Be mean. (OK, I don’t recommend being mean, but that’s a technique many people use.)
Tools / Application - This is mostly used by computer geeks and/or technology based businesses, but it can be used most any industry. Stay tuned for a future post on how your business can use tools/applications as a marketing tool and drive traffic to your site.
OK, you get the general idea. Create stuff that is useful, unique, if it’s something people are looking for, you’ve got yourself some good link bait and you’ll attract visitors to your site.
