3 replies to this topic

[LibbyLu]

When researching possible link partners, where is a good place to start? Is it more what the competition is doing link wise or maybe something else? Thanks.

[Tom Philo]

I've never searched out for link partners, they have always come to me so this is my impression only - not as an expert.

Find firms that complement your service / product

Check their sites to see if they adhere to W3C standards, privacy laws, guidelines, business standards

How restrictive are they in where and how you link to them

Do they require formal written agreements

How good are they at notifiying you of changes that would break links (and you to them)

Do they also link to your direct competition

Are they seen as an authority for that topic

Would you link to them even if they did not link to you

Do you think your vistors would benefit seeing that link on your site - would it help them (and then implies that other site people seeing your link, would it benefit them too)

[Debra]

Consider asking where your link will go and note how many links are already on the page. Having your link added to a page already heavily populated with links probably won't help you much.

After seeing where the link will go, be sure the page can be spidered and is linked within a page or two of the home page.

See if the current links are categorized for easy skimming.

Be sure the other link partners are sites you want to be listed with.

Find out if you can add a description with your optimized anchor text link.

That's a handful, I'm sure others will chime in with more!

[water cooler boy]

Is it more what the competition is doing link wise or maybe something else?

I think it's a bit of both, it's certainly a good idea to look at your competition, but strive to be better than those guys. Most importantly what's unique about your site or the products/services that you sell.

Who buys your products/services?
What are these people interested in?
What do your products/services allow people to do?
Are there any products/services that would sit alongside your sites offerings that you don't sell?

Think outside the box and you'll come up with all sorts of ideas then just go off and find the websites.

Justin