Although link building has acquired a bad name thanks to poor quality, spam-type postings; good quality, carefully positioned links can still be used to optimise a website to rank better in search engines.
In order to rank websites, the search engines use a series of complex algorithms which search for key features within the websites. Although user experience is now a priority, back-links continue to be amongst the factors which influence the ranking of the websites. However, the focus is on quality rather than quality.
Good quality links can be used to indicate that the website and its content are of value or interest to viewers, and it is this which then boosts the websites rankings in the search engine results pages (SERPS).
Devising a Link Building Strategy
One of the easiest ways of achieving SEO from link building is to use a professional. Although it is possible to devise your own link building strategy, the main benefit of hiring professionals is that you will obtain the peace of mind that your website is not being linked to poor quality sites which, in the long term, will decrease rather than promote your rankings.
Should I use SEO Link Building Services?
If you are thinking of outsourcing your link building services as part of your SEO campaign, here are some points to consider:
- Are you an Expert?
- Bad Links can Damage your Website
Employing a specialist in link builder will allow you to achieve maximum benefits for minimal effort to leave you with more free time to shift focus on other areas of your business. Whilst this service will, of course, come at a price, as with any professional you are paying for their knowledge and expertise.
At one time, simply having a large number of back-links could increase the ranking of a website but Google has been changing the way in which the search algorithms work in an attempt to combat spam postings, so this is no longer the case.
The search algorithm Panda was launched in 2011 with Penguin following in 2012 and with these algorithms and the subsequent ones the focus has been firmly on user experience. Sites whose content contains spam listings are being demoted whilst those who are able to establish themselves as experts and as providing a service to users are rising.
One of the main benefits of using SEO link building services rather than doing it yourself, is that as experts in this field they will be up to date with the constantly changing Google algorithms. This means that they will be able to generate link building strategies in line with this and avoid any penalties which may occur for malpractice.
How to Select SEO Link Building Services?
When selecting a company to establish links it is important to consider several factors.
- Reputation
- Scope
- Pricing
Can the SEO link building services provide references from previous clients? If not, move on!
Can the business offer link building which works on several search engines or are there successes limited to only one or two? Restricting your target audience to a limited number of search engines will not maximise either your client base or your potential sales.
Whilst there will of course be financial implications and businesses rarely have unlimited resources, it is important not to select SEO link building services on price alone.
The use of link building to promote SEO is an invaluable tool and if done well can generate user interaction (which will also boost the website ranking), increased sales, and a stronger brand allegiance.
Take the time to choose your link building strategies carefully. Creating a strong partnership can move your business to the next level, so it is well worth putting a little time and research into this important decision.
