A core feature of search engine optimization (SEO) strategies is link building. Links acts as endorsements and people use them the same way they would use word of mouth information. Links are a form of advertisement for your webpages. They tell both people and search engines that you have worthy content and anyone who is interested in the keyword that you target should visit your webpage. Link importance led to the creation of a sub-branch of SEO that only concerns link-building strategies. One of these strategies involves the solicitation of links from website owners. The following are the 12 key elements that your link requests should contain, if you are going to ask for links from any website owner. Failure to include any element will jeopardize your chances of getting the link.
1. Action steps
You should not complicate matters for site owners. They deal with many site management issues and appreciate simple and effective tools. You should view your link solicitation as a two-way affair. If it is easy for the other person to link to your site, then it will be easy for you to get the link from them. Mention, in advance, all the required steps.
2. A sense of generosity
First impressions matter in physical meetings between two people and they matter in link building. You need to link out to other websites from your website so that people see you are generous. No one will want to link to you when your website contains no out-bound link. The person who is receiving your link request will take time to go over your website before accepting your link request. Failure to link out will give them an excuse to refuse your request.
3. Social media metrics as ego bait
Social media plays a huge role in directing visitors to websites. If your site is popular in a particular social media platform, then highlight those metrics in your request email. The other person will immediately see the value of associating with you, especially if you also promise to link to their website.
4. A guest posting approach
If you cannot find a page that is worth linking to in the person's website, ask them for a guest post opportunity. By guest posting, you will create useful content for their site visitors and, in return, get an opportunity to link back to your site.
5. Helpful offers
If you notice anything wrong with their websites that is fixable, suggest a solution to them but do not try to shove it down their throats. By being helpful, you will also seem friendly. Many site owners will reciprocate your kind gesture. Friendly actions cause the other person to ask what is it that they can do for you, and this is the point where you mention that a link back to your website will suffice.
6. Correct subject line format
Keep your subject line succinct. You need to let the other person know what you want. Some web owners expect link requests so they create subject line templates. Use those templates appropriately.
7. Site owner's name
Mention the site owners name as the first thing in your email. Starting with a conversation tone will get you a listening ear. It makes the request seem personal.
8. Your name
As you mention the other person's name, also introduce your name and your title. Most people overlook emails from strangers that miss the sender's name in their introductions.
9. All relevant URLs
Links should go to specific URLs both on your site, and on the site that you are targeting. Provide both URLs in your email. If you have already linked back to the site, care to provide that URL too.
10. Brief descriptions
Do not just list URLs and mention names. If you do that, your email will look like spam. The best approach is to keep everything in context. Give a brief description of all the details that you give, including your social media metrics. The site owner needs to know why you are including those details.
11. Your contact details
Now that your request has started a conversation with the site owner, care to provide your contact details. The site owner, if interested, with use the phone number or email that you provide to contact you. This is also useful for cases that require clarifications.
12. Niche-related targets
In the end, successful link requests will come about when you consider the interests of the site owner. No one wants to link to a non-related site that does them no good. It is easy to find bait content for a site owner whose niche is related to your niche. Do not take any personal detail for granted, and keep your message professional and as per the demands of your niche.
Author Bio:Jason Smith is an online manager for Hitches - Electrical Connectors. Jason likes blogging about online strategies that are related to SEO, Content, PPC & Lead generation.