How to Hunt for Big-Game Backlinks
Kenn Schroder
04/25/2006
This is the 3rd of a 3 part series.
Part 1: Why Backlinks Are Totally Awesome!
Part 2: Keys to a Solid Backlink
Part 3: How to Hunt for Big-Game Backlinks
In the first part, we discussed how backlinks bring you direct traffic in addition to increased search engine rankings. That’s totally awesome!
In the second part, we went into keys on creating a good backlink. This included choosing good places for backlinks, as well as making the link attractive to both search engines and people.
In this third part, we will get you started on where to start looking for backlinks so you can begin to build traffic, get more clients, and sell more products.
Getting started
As a coach, you are probably the last person who needs to hear this, but just like any endeavor, it’s good to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed) goals.
For example, if you aren’t getting any action at your web site because you have very little traffic, then a good goal would be five inquiries a month, six months from now.
The next step is to set aside time to get backlinks. A great start is to commit a measly one hour a week.
Backlinking takes time.
It takes time for you to find places to get backlinks. It takes time for other web sites to set up your backlink. It takes time for search engines to find those links.
Therefore, the next thing to do is set up a spreadsheet to help you keep track of backlink request that have not yet been fulfilled.
The spreadsheet should include:
- The web site you are seeking a link from
- The date you requested the link
- The title and description of the link
- A box to mark of when your link has been set up
- A place to put miscellaneous notes
Your first target – The Open Directory Project
The ODP (The Open Directory Project) is a general web directory that catalogs web sites on the Internet.
The ODP is a great place to start your backlinking program for two reasons.
The main reason is that many search engines hold The ODP in high regard – that is, if your web site is listed in The ODP, it must be a legitimate site. This helps your rankings.
Secondly, The ODP has simple, clear submissions guidelines which familiarize you with the process of requesting backlinks from other web sites.
The Open Directory Project is here:
www.dmoz.org
There are a lot of other directories and the number grows. To find more popular directories, simply do a search on “top web directories 2006.”
Take a second to celebrate!
Once you have gotten listed in The Open Directory Project, stop and celebrate!
Up to this point you have:
- Devised a linking plan.
- You have learned about submission policies.
- You broke past a common resistance point: getting started!
- You now have one of the most valuable links you can get.
You have created the core system of building your traffic. All you need to do is "rinse and repeat."
Next - Coaching-Specific Directories
You may not be aware of them, but there are web directories that are specific to coaches.
For example, www.lifecoachguide.com has listings of life coaches.
By getting listed in coaching-specific directories, your web site will gain higher rankings when people do searches related to coaching.
For example, if you get listed in a life coach directory, then your web site will rank higher for the term “life coach.”
These types of directories are easy to find. Just do a search on “life coach directory.”
Next - Coaching Organizations
Coachville is a great place for a backlink. Their link section is very easy for search engines to find, and the Coachville’s web site is very popular.
They are, however, making some modifications to their site which may eliminate the search engine value of getting a backlink from Coachville.
A backlink at ICF’s web site is good for possible referrals when someone is using their "Find a Coach” service.
Unfortunately, the ICF’s directory pages don’t give you a backlink that search engines can easily find (at the time of this writing). So your search engine rankings aren’t improved by being listed here.
Next - Other Existing Relationships
Many coaches belong to local networking groups like BNI or Chamber of Commerce.
Getting links to your site from these places are valuable because they are often easy to get, they give you more local appeal, and you often have a high degree of control over what goes into your link.
Happy Hunting
The above plan can keep you busy for months.
Over time, your tracking senses will sharpen and you will discover more and more places to seek for backlinks. Jot them down as you go.
You will see an increase in web site traffic and activity in as little as one to two months. After about six months you'll be cooking!
Good luck and happy backlinking!
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