If you want your Web site to rank well in the search engines, you need links - lots of relevant links - coming into your site.
So you just snap your fingers and they appear? Unfortunately there is a little more work involved. Building links is an ongoing process. Get started by completing at least some of the following suggestions.
* List your Web site in Web directories, including DMOZ, and Google Directory, There are also numerous smaller and specialty directories - all of which provide a link back to registered sites. Type Web directories into Google search, and see what you come up with.
* Start a blog and post an article at least once a week, with links back to your Web site of course. Many blog sites, including Wordpress and Blogger, are free.
* Set up social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and others. Be sure to include links back to your Web site.
* Make thoughtful comments on recent, relevant blog posts.
* And finally, find pertinent blogs and Web sites, and telephone or e-mail the owner and politely ask to exchange links. Be sure to explain why exchanging links will benefit both parties.
It takes time to build a good network of links. Avoid companies which promise hundreds of links for a few dollars, because the poor quality of the links will not help - and could possibly hurt - your rankings in the search engines.
About the Author
Mary Fisher is the communications manager for IdeaStar Inc., a Web Development company. This article first appeared in
Spinfield, IdeaStar's online marketing blog.