Do you own a small business? Are you wondering if internet marketing is something you need to focus on for the success of your business? Well, then SEO and link building services should be on your list!
If you are new to internet marketing or a small business owner trying to wrap your brain around marketing on the internet, read on…
Notice the words-web and net, what picture comes to mind? Images of strings and strands connected and “linked” together to build something – something more than just a straight line. It’s a network and the connections are held together with links. Thus, the term link building is used to describe how this is accomplished.
A link on a webpage directs or points you to more information. It can be on the same webpage or it can take you to another webpage, even on another website. Think of it like the Transporter on Star Trek which Scotty used to “beam” people to different locations. When you click on a link, you are transported to another location-to new information on the internet. There are different types of links, and when you put effort into creating those connections it is called link building.
Well, let’s start at the very beginning, always a very good place to start. For your small business, the goal of internet marketing is for people, who are potential customers or repeat customers, to find your website and ultimately do business with you!
One way to do this (the most important way) is to rank on search engines so that when someone types in words and phrases into the search bar, your website will come up as a search result- the higher in results the better, since 70% of searchers will click on a result on the first page. You want to be on the first page, and let’s be honest; you want to be #1!
If you are creating relevant content and showing your expertise in an area, others who are also in your community want to link with you. Basically, they are giving you their vote and endorsing you. It’s similar to the coffee shop talk we use daily: “Have you seen what ______ is up to, they’re really growing.” “Oh, you’re interested in _________; James is writing about that, you should read his work.” “You’re thinking of becoming a _________, check out Sally’s website. She is a _________ and you might learn a thing or two.” And on and on the conversations go.
As humans we do this naturally, we make connections, network, and build communities. It is no surprise then that it has transferred into the internet and search engines have chosen to use the quantity and the quality of your link building to rank your website.
As you create high value relevant content, as you connect with high authority links, and you increase the number of links, your rank will increase for the website pages these links are on. That is why link building services are an important piece in your overall internet marketing strategy.
Link building can be done by individuals, but it takes time, expertise and lots of creative energy (just get to know Travis and Natasha, our link building crew, and you will see what I mean). Link building services are good at what they do. They are innovative, creative and resourceful and good link builders keep up with the best practices in the industry to provide you with the highest quality links that will withstand the affects of wildlife, such as Penguins and Pandas. There are a number of strategies that link builders use to help your website increase its rank. Read Natasha’s blog about the 5 local link building services your business can’t live without.
Just as you are socially aware when someone is trying to build a fake friendship or buy your attention, be weary of link building services that provide automated link building or paid links. It’s like wanting to run for office and paying people to come to a dinner party to get their votes. It might work in the short term, but when authorities (Google) crack down on shady practices (Penguin) then you’re left with your practices exposed and your website buried where no one will ever find it.
If you are asking this question, and you are unsure, then I suggest you talk with an expert in the field. Here at Half a Bubble Out we know how important it is for small businesses to have a holistic internet marketing strategy and how link building plays a part in the big picture. If you have questions and want to talk, sign up for a 30 min consultation to see how link building services fit in to your game plan.