67: Building Healthy SEO Habits - Part 6: Developing Links

Summary

In this episode, Meredith’s husband discusses the importance of link building as part of a healthy SEO strategy. He emphasizes that while link building can be difficult and often has a low success rate, using a give-before-you-get approach can increase effectiveness. By providing value first—whether through content creation or showcasing someone else's work—website owners can build strong relationships and secure valuable backlinks to improve their site’s SEO performance.

Blog Post: Mastering Link Building with a Give-Before-You-Get Approach

Link building is one of the most challenging aspects of SEO, but it remains a crucial part of improving your website’s visibility and authority. If you want your site to rank higher in search engines, securing backlinks from reputable websites is essential. However, many people approach link building the wrong way—by sending cold, impersonal emails asking for a link without offering any value in return.

This post will walk you through a more effective method: the give-before-you-get approach. Instead of simply asking for a link, provide something valuable first, such as content or promotion, to build rapport and increase your chances of getting a backlink.

Why Link Building Matters

Backlinks are one of the foundational elements of Google's ranking algorithm. When search engines evaluate websites, they consider the number and quality of links pointing to a page. Sites with more high-quality backlinks are seen as more authoritative and, as a result, are likely to rank higher in search results.

However, it’s important to note that the process of building backlinks is not easy. Like auditioning for a role, the success rate is often low—sometimes only 10% of your outreach efforts will result in a link. That’s why it’s crucial to approach link building strategically.

The Give-Before-You-Get Strategy

Rather than sending out mass emails asking for a link, the give-before-you-get method focuses on providing value first. The idea is to give something useful, like promoting the other person’s work, and then ask for a link in return. Here's how it works:

• Step 1: Identify potential link opportunities. Look for websites, businesses, or vendors that you have collaborated with or that are relevant to your industry. For example, wedding photographers can reach out to florists, caterers, or venues they’ve worked with.

• Step 2: Create something valuable. Whether it’s a blog post featuring their work, a set of professional photos, or a social media shout-out, make sure you offer something of real value. This positions you as someone who wants to help them, rather than just asking for something.

• Step 3: Initiate contact with your value. Instead of asking for a link right away, send them the content you’ve created that highlights their business or work. Open a dialogue by sharing something positive and meaningful.

• Step 4: Make the ask (carefully). Once you've provided value, ask if they would be willing to share the content with their followers or feature it on their site. Importantly, avoid saying, "Can you link to my website?" Instead, phrase it as, "Would you mind sharing this with your readers?" This approach emphasizes mutual benefit.

Examples of Giving Value First

Here are some ways you can give value before asking for a link:

• Wedding Photographers: After a wedding, send high-quality photos to the venue, florist, or caterer. Create a blog post highlighting their contributions to the event and share it with them.

• Family Photographers: If you shoot at a park or a local business, offer some photos that showcase the location. Write a blog post about the venue and how it contributes to family photo sessions.

• Pet Photographers: Collaborate with pet stores or veterinarians by taking photos of their spaces or services and featuring them in a blog post. This can lead to mutual promotion.

Final Thoughts

Link building isn’t just about sending requests for backlinks—it’s about building relationships. By offering value first, you not only increase your chances of getting a link but also establish long-term connections that could benefit your business in other ways. Remember to keep the focus on how you can help the other party, whether by promoting their business or making their life easier.

If you implement the give-before-you-get strategy regularly, it will become a natural part of your SEO routine, making the process more sustainable and successful over time.

Resources

For further insights into building a strong link-building strategy, refer to Meredith’s husband's previous episodes and resources available on his blog.