There are 3 major factors to consider for your SEO campaign: keyword analysis, on-page optimization, and arguably the most important, back-links or inbound links.  Before back-links used to just be a referral source that could generate some unexpected traffic.  From my experience they are now the most weighted factor when it comes to Search Engine Rankings. In case you are unfamiliar with the term back links, simply put, back links are links to your site from another site.

According to Rob Ousby of Distilled, “Google was the first search engine to use links as a significant ranking factor.  They viewed a link from one site to another as a ‘vote’ for the target site.  The more votes you have, the more authoritative your site is considered. “

Obtaining the highly credible link is easier said than done. Many factors go into the process of asking for a back-link. The proper etiquette for asking is almost as important as the link itself.  The proper steps must be taken to get these highly touted SEO resources. Below are a few things you can do to get some credible back-links to your site.

7 Back-linking Etiquette Tips:

1. Quality Content- This is the most valuable and attractive way of getting relevant websites to link to your site. By providing a value that other sites can use as a credible resource can generate a lot of buzz and significant amount of back-links.  Just make sure you politely state that everyone is free to share your content as long as they link back to your site.
2. Forums- Start your interactions with forums by providing sound advice and offering a unique opinion.  Do this 4 or more times demonstrating your professionalism and your credibility before contacting the site owner requesting to post a link in their forum. Be polite, build rapport and you will see results.
3. Directories- Search for directories that are relevant or local.  Make sure these directories have a relatively high traffic rate and make sure they do not have any spam on their site.  Remember back-links only provide value if they come from relevant and respected sources.
4. Online PR- When contacting website owners or online journalists make sure not to sound like a salesman.  Indicate why you have chosen them in particular (whether it is because of their industry or maybe they linked to a site that is similar to yours.) and explain why your company will add value to their site.  Once again, be polite and invite them check out your website and in particular, the areas on your site that will best relate to their needs.
5. Prizes & Deals- Prizes and giveaways is a time-tested and successful way to obtain back-links.  You can create a landing page that is specific to the giveaway and have sites link to it.  Make sure the prize appears safe to apply for and is relevant to the targeted site.
6. Viral Videos- Viral videos can be great way of obtaining back-links without having to necessarily ask anyone to link to it.  By created a video that is fun, exciting and interesting for multiple industries you can generate tons of back-links. Be sure to politely ask the users to post a link back to their site if they share your video.
7. Guest Blogging- When guest blogging make sure you are an expert in the topic.  When speaking with the blog owner be sure to mention that they will benefit from your unique and respected opinion. Also, let the site owner know that by allowing you to guest blog on their site they will be exposed to a new audience.  As long as you are respectful and explain that your blog will benefit both parties, you should have no problem building these strong relationships.