Search engines have become very reliant using links as a way "rank" a site or establish the quality of your site. The higher perceived quality of your site the more likely you will be found when visitors search for your subject. For this reason there has been an explosion of sites seeking to exchange links.
However most of them shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to asking for the link from the site owner.
Here are some ways to increase the chances of achieving the link back to you:
1. I have a name! - Look for the site owner's name on the site. If you find it, be sure to use it. If they display their name on their site and you don't use their name then they will know you haven't read their site!
2. Wrong subject - For example I have a site on custom toolbar design, aimed at website owners who are looking to get more traffic. Recently online casinos and a Health and Nutrition site have approached me about exchanging links. Sorry not even close to my market.
3. Linking to me? - I get several offers asking if I am interested in swapping links but not many who say they already have my link up on their site already. (a couple did but when I checked it out, I couldn't find it ?, I hit the delete button soon after that…)
4. Make my head swell - Tell me you liked something about my site, so I know you have seen it, make it specific so it only can apply to my site.
5. Contact Method - Where possible, the best option is to use the form on the site you are trying to contact, rather than email. It gives you a better chance of getting the message to the right person and avoids some email filters.
6. Links Page -Does the site already have a page or area with links to other sites? This increases the chances of them being open to link exchange or outside links.
7. Include Your Information- have the information about your site included in your email exactly as they need to put the link on their site. People are very busy online- make it easy for them to help you.
Exchanging links is an effective long-term way of increasing traffic and making partners online. It is a time consuming marketing method but is a good way for the smallest business to get more traffic and search engine ranking. It's a simple "roll your sleeves up" way of web promotion.
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