What is Link Building? Why are links important for a website and rankings?
When a search string is entered into a Search Engine, the Search Engine needs to determine how to return the most relevant results. This is achieved by compiling different on- and off-page elements, such as
- SEO attributes
- On page content and
- incoming links for each page; to name the most important factors.
By applying its algorithm calculation to the various pages in their index, the Search Engine then figures out which ones are related in any way to the query and which of those are the most important, or the most relevant to that query.
SEO elements and content both have their own challenges; but link building is often seen as one of the most complicated aspects. What is a good link? Why would certain links bring your website more attention than others? How can you manage this and obtain the best possible results from your link building campaign?
In the eyes of a Search Engine, each link to a web page is seen as a vote for that web page. If there are two pages that are equally relevant to a given search query, the page with the better inbound link profile will rank higher than the other page. That’s exactly why a good link building strategy will definitely help bringing your website to a higher position in results pages… where the traffic meets your goals.
What is a bad link?
A link for an obscure directory, based in another country an covering a completely different topic. This is the worst link ever! A link having only one of the above attributes won’t be very useful to your campaign.
What is a good link?
A natural link. What is it?
A good link process is to try obtaining high and quality relevant links to your website. Everybody prefers natural links, even if it’s harder to build a natural link building campaign… because you need to use your creativity more than your wallet! But this will bring long term results.
Basic tips to help you getting good inbound links
- Create a Google Local Listing and add relevant information about your business
- Find your local Chamber of Commerce website and check if possible to add your business website
- While you are at it, post your business profile where accepted (your old University or High School, for example)
- Ask your suppliers or clients if they accept to display your website URL or, even better, to write an article about your company and services
- Write press releases, submit them online or send them to your local paper
- Check your Yellow pages listing and ask to mention your website
- Submit your website to the most influential online directories – using the right category
- Post your job opportunities on online job boards
- Charity & Donation; we all give money for a good reason…
- Write articles on your business topic and submit them to relevant websites or blogs; everyone webmaster loves good content and they will probably agree to mention your website URL, when asked
But remember: the most important thing to keep in mind is to find link from websites who discuss the same topic. Stay in your field, build your online profile and be seen as someone who masters what he preaches.
Oh… and don’t forget the anchor text. This is the text string where your link will be posted upon and is an important factor for Search Engines as well.
A good advice would be to ease this linking process by providing a page where link samples are displayed. After all, if you want others to link to your website, mention what you like them to use as code or link attributes. Something they could copy-paste on their own website.
Information about <a title=”Link Building Strategies” href=”http://www.seoglobalnetwork.com/seo-news/link-building/” target=”_blank”>Link Building Strategies</a> from SEO Global Network.
Our last tip – but not the least – is to write great content. Something completely new that has never been said or expressed before. Something so interesting that people will read and talk about. Something that will attract links by dozens, natural links, in a constant flow… Start by what you know best: what you do. You are running a specific business; so talk specific!
As we always say, imagination and creativity are the limit when it comes to link building strategy!
SEO Global Network is a platform for sharing the latest SEO news, SEO tools and SEO tips from around the world as well as a resource for finding the SEO company or professional SEO services you need as well as a general SEO directory.
8 SEO Services You Should Be Offering Your Clients
The world of Search Engine Optimisation is competitive. So, in order to give your SEO company the edge and to get the results that your clients expect, what SEO services should your firm offer?
Well, there are a number of SEO services that you should be considering for you SEO company. Let’s take a look at each one.
SEO packages
Clients operate in various industries, with websites that might be new or old, and ultimately they expect different results for their investment in SEO. So, it is important for your SEO company to offer SEO packages that suit different budgets and objectives. Commonly inolving meta data & page tweaking, basic link building and keyword researchyour SEO packages should be scalable, to allow for websites with a large amount of pages.
SEO Consulting
SEO consulting is the process of making specific SEO recommendations to a client, based on their current situation. As part of the consulting process you should ascertain what your client’s objective is and any problems with their website which will make it difficult to achieve good rankings in Google.
On-page content
Optimising the current web pages needs to be an essential offering amongst your SEO services. Your on-page content optimisation service needs to ensure that your desired keywords are in the Title tag, Meta Data, Headings and content on the page.
Website Audits
Undertaking a website audit allows you to identify problems with the website’s structure, current pages and keyword targeting that can be fixed in order to make your client’s website soar up the search engine rankings. Common problems include orphan pages, duplicate content and poor navigational structures.
SEO Copy Writing
An essential part of any SEO campaign, SEO copywriting is the task of writing search engine optimised content for your client’s website. Adding new content not only increases customer engagement and conversion numbers, but allows you to target new keywords.
SEO training
Training your clients to undertake basic SEO tasks themselves not only improves the chances of the client’s website ranking well for its targeted keywords, but you can also save time by empowering them to do basic SEO, so that you don’t have to!
Link building
One of the most important and challenging aspects of search engine optimisation, link building can be the difference between showing your client their new number one ranking for an important keyword, or apologising for taking their money to begin with!
When link building for your client’s website, you should obtain links from websites which are considered authority websites in their niche. The anchor text should contain some keywords, but do not go overboard. Whatever you do, do not buy links.
Website technical analysis
The process of analysing the structure of a website and identifying any structural limitations which will inhibit your client’s ability to rank well in the major search engines is known as website technical analysis. Common technical issues that you should be on the look out for include dynamic URLs, broken links and duplicate content.
As you can see, the SEO services that your SEO company should offer are numerous and varied. Some clients may need multiple services, whilst other clients are catered for by a SEO Package – some page tweaking, basic link building and keyword research.
SEO Terms Explained
New to the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? Confused by all the jargon and acronyms? Here is a list of some of the more common SEO terms and their meanings…
This is by no means an extensive or exhaustive list, but represents most of the common SEO expressions you will hear discussed. We’ve tried to stick to the basics and keep it newbie-friendly.
Algorithm
A set of programming rules which determine how a search engine displays the results of a search.
Alt Tags
Alternative text to be shown in a web browser when images are not shown. Alt tags are provided for the benefit of vision impaired users and are no longer considered to have high SEO value. An alt tag should describe the image and not simply comprise a list of keywords.
Anchor Text
A link created from a string of text. The “anchor” is the linked section of text. Effective use of anchor text involves linking targeted keyword phrases. For example, in this sentence Search Engine Optimization is the anchor text, which in this case links to the home page of this site.
Backlinks (or Back Links)
External links, or links from other websites to your website. Google’s Webmaster Tools can give you information on your backlinks but doesn’t always report all the links Google knows about. Yahoo’s Site Explorer can often give you a more complete picture.
Black Hat SEO
A type of Search Engine Optimisation where the techniques and strategies used do not generally comply with the search engines’ webmaster guidelines. Black Hat SEO can be effective, but is risky and can lead to a search engine ban or penalty.
Bounce Rate
When a visitor to your site clicks the back button on their browser, without navigating deeper into your site, they are said to “bounce”. A high bounce rate would indicate your site is not relevant to the search they performed or they judged your site to be poor quality.
Cache
A snapshot of your page taken when a search engine last visited. To see the cache of your page in Google type cache: followed by your page URL into a Google search box.
Cloaking
A technique involving the presentation of different content to search engine spiders and human visitors. Cloaking is essentially a deceptive practice which will likely get your site banned or penalized by the search engines if detected.
Content
In the context of SEO, generally considered to be the readable text within the body of a page.
Conversion
The desired objective of your site is fulfilled. This could be a sale, a subscription, a form submission etc. Generally, a visitor is converted to a customer.
Crawl
When a search engine visits your site they are said to “crawl” your site. This is the process of collecting data and returning it to the search engine. Your site logs or analytics software can tell you which search engines have crawled your site and when that last occurred.
DMOZ
Also known as The Open Directory Project. DMOZ is a free, human-edited directory run by volunteers. A listing is considered beneficial for SEO, but getting listed can be a real challenge.
Doorway Page
Not to be confused with a targeted landing page, a doorway page typically has no useful content and exists only to redirect visitors to another area of the site. Generally frowned upon by search engines.
Duplicate Content
Content that is identical to other content on your site or anywhere else on the Web. As a rule, search engines do not want to present multiple versions of the same content in their search results. Duplicate content should be avoided where possible, but where legitimate reasons for it exist e.g. printer friendly pages, measures need to be put in place to instruct the engines on which pages to index and which pages should not be indexed.
External Link
An in-bound link to your site from another site on the Web.
Feed
A common feature of Blogs. Allows readers to subscribe to frequently updated content by adding the feed to their feed-reader software or email client (e.g. Outlook). Feeds are typically created in a format called RSS (Rich Site Summary or Real Simple Syndication).
Google
Currently the Web’s largest and most important search engine, accounting for the great majority of searches performed.
Googlebot
Google’s search engine program which visits your site and returns data to Google.
Google Sitemap
A file placed on your web server and submitted to Google indicating which pages on your site need to be indexed.
Google Sitelinks
In some search results Google lists multiple deep links rather than a single link. Generally occurs when Google considers a particular site far more relevant in the search results.
Headings (Heading Tags)
Generally considered important for on-page SEO and good web design. Heading tags are constructed in HTML using a H1 to H6 tag. Styling can be modified using CSS.
Inbound Links (IBL)
An external link from another site to your site.
Internal Links
Links from a page on your site to another page on your site.
Keywords
A word or phrase which potential customers may use in a search for content relevant to your site.
Keyword Density
A measure of how prominent a keyword or keyword phrase is within the content of a page. No longer considered to be a significant ranking factor in SEO. Over-reliance on keyword density resulted in content written purely for search engines and not humans.
Landing Page
A page which targets a specific keyword phrase by including content relevant to that phrase. A landing page will typically include the keyword phrase in the title, description, headings, links and body content of the page.
Links
In SEO terms, generally considered to be inbound links to your site i.e. a surfer clicks on a link on another website and lands on your website. In basic terms, a search engine considers a link to your site as a citation or a vote, and factors this into it’s ranking algorithm.
Link Building
The process of acquiring inbound links to your site.
Link Juice
The value a search engine places on a link to your site. Some links will have a significant effect on your rankings e.g. from a high-authority, trustworthy site, while other links will have no value at all.
Metatags (Meta Tags)
HTML code which search engines read and use in various ways.
Meta Description
Provides a summary of the page content. Search engines often use the meta description to display in their search results. The meta description is considered relatively important for SEO but should also provide a compelling reason for a searcher to click through to your site.
Meta Keywords
A list of keywords relevant to the page. No longer considered to be of significant value for SEO.
PageRank (PR)
Google’s logarithmic formula for calculating the importance of a web document based on links. PR plays a pivotal role in Google’s ranking algorithm but just how much is hotly debated by SEOs. A representation of a page’s PR is shown in the Google Toolbar on a scale from 0 to 10. The toolbar PR should only be taken as a general guide and does not necessarily represent the true PR of a page.
Reciprocal Linking
The process of exchanging links i.e. where site A links to site B, and in return site B links to site A.
Search Engine Optimization (also spelled optimisation)
In basic terms, the process of optimizing a page through it’s on-page content, structure and link profile to rank highly for specific search queries. In broader terms, to increase revenues & profits for businesses marketing their products or services online.
SEM
Search Engine Marketing. Encompasses all aspects of building traffic through search, including natural (organic) search engine optimization and PPC (pay-per-click) search engine advertising.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization (Optimisation). Focuses on natural (organic) search engine ranking.
SERP
Search Engine Result Page. A list of links & descriptions produced when a search is performed.
Technorati
Technorati is a blog search engine.
Title Tag
Also known as the meta title. Shows at the top of a browser window and is considered very important in on-page SEO.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator. The web address of a document.
XML Sitemap
A list of pages you want the search engines to find, created in XML format and submitted to the search engines.
Business Profile – Hotel Lindrum
SEO – Search Engine Optimisation - Melbourne Hotel
Hotel Lindrum is the perfect Melbourne CBD Boutique Hotel. Close to all that Melbourne offers…
Hotel Lindrum offers boutique Melbourne hotel accommodation that will ensure that regardless of whether you travel to Melbourne for business or pleasure, your trip will be even more enjoyable. This Melbourne Hotel is just as striking internally, as it’s famouse and unique external appearance.
Hotel Lindrum offer the full range of luxury hotel services, including 24 hour reception and room service. In room business facilities, free wireless broadband in reception and bar areas, and, same day laundry and valet services. But, it’s the extras in this Melbourne Hotel that makes all the difference. With Felt Restaurant onsite and the full size billiard table room, a warm and elegant lounge with a fireplace, and the distinctive decor and service, this property stands apart from other Melbourne boutique hotels.
Before you choose your Melbourne Hotel, it is important to consider what you require of the hotel. Hotel Lindrum offers you:
- Standard Melbourne Hotel Rooms
- Superior Melbourne Hotel Rooms
- Deluxe Melbourne Hotel Rooms
- Junior Suites
Together with excellent conference and meeting facilities, a fully licenced bar and excellent food, Hotel Lindrum is the perfect location to relax after a busy day exploring Melbourne attractions and many sights and events. The hotels location close to major transport and the CBD makes it a convenient base for the traveller and business executive, whilst it’s amenities ensure extra style and comfort, from what you would normally expect from a Melbourne boutique hotel.
This Business Profile is provided as a service to clients of our sister company SEO Works, a leading SEO company providing SEO Services and SEO Packages across a wide range of industry segments for their Google SEO needs. For your SEO Brisbane, SEO Sydney or SEO Melbourne requirements contact SEO Works today.
Business Profile – Olims Hotel
Olims Hotel Canberra has been providing affordable accommodation in Canberra for over 80 years. Located near major tourist attractions, business & shopping…
Olims Canberra Hotel is an iconic 127 room Canberra hotel providing affordable accommodation, meeting rooms, conference venues and wedding reception facilities. Situated in the centre of Canberra and close to the airport, this great value hotel is only minutes away from the Central Business District, shopping malls and entertainment areas. Popular family tourist attractions such as The Australian War Memorial are a short walk away. Olims is the perfect base to explore The Australian Capital.
In order to enjoy your stay to the maximum, Olims Hotel Canberra provide packages and deals which offer exceptional value compared to other Canberra hotels. Olims are also famous for their great Canberra conference, function & meeting venues and Canberra wedding receptions.
The Ainslie Bar & Bistro is a great choice for top value Canberra restaurants and Canberra bars. The Ainslie Bar features ACTAB facilities.
If you are searching for…
- Top value accommodation in Canberra ACT
- Canberra conference rooms
- Canberra Conference & meeting venues
- Canberra meeting rooms
- Canberra wedding reception venues
Or you need an ideal base to explore Canberra attractions or attend one of many Canberra events…your search is over!
Business Profile – The Harbour Rocks Hotel
SEO – Search Engine Optimisation – Sydney Hotels
The Harbour Rocks Hotel is your first choice for boutique Sydney hotel accommodation in The Rocks…
Looking for Sydney hotel accommodation right in the middle of the action at The Rocks? Then, The Harbour Rocks Hotel should be your first choice. Centrally located in the heart of the famous Sydney Rocks precinct, The Harbour Rocks is a heritage building fully restored to provide modern comfort and convenience that you expect from a quality Sydney Hotel. With a range of rooms and suites, this Sydney Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Sydney attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Opera House, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and of course, Sydney Harbour.
Dating back to the 1850’s, built from sandstone blocks, to house the original Sydney hospital, the charm of this centrally located boutique Sydney hotel is only matched with the range of quality Sydney Accommodation provided with their:
- Heritage Sydney Hotel Rooms
- Heritage Superior Sydney Hotel Rooms
- Sydney Harbour View Hotel Rooms
- Sydney Junior Suite Hotel Rooms
- Sydney Hotel Penthouse Apartment
With such a wide range of Sydney Hotel rooms, there is the right room for everyone. With our famous Lanes Restaurant on site, and in house conference facilities, your choice for a Sydney hotel has never been clearer. Need Sydney Accommodation? Looking for a Sydney Hotel? Like to be centrally located in The Rocks with easy access to all the best that Sydney has to offer the traveller. Then you should consider The Harbour Rocks Hotel, for your Sydney hotel accommodation.
This Business Profile is provided as a service to clients of our sister company SEO Works, a leading SEO company providing SEO Services and SEO Packages across a wide range of industry segments for their Google SEO needs. For your SEO Brisbane, SEO Sydney or SEO Melbourne requirements contact SEO Works today.
