Web Visibility – The Missing Links -- Part II
Now that you’ve developed a list of possible websites to
link with, the next step is to asking for the link, and offering one of your
own.
Ask for a Link
If you know the owner of the website, just call them
and ask them to trade links with you. Follow up with a “thank you” email that includes
your .url (Web address), and 2 sentences about your newsletter or business
(as it's likely they will want to post this, too.) Make it easy for them
to simply cut and paste your information onto their site.
Example:
www.AlmostEverythingWeb.com / Web Design, Programming and Web Copy
Tod and Karen of Almost Everything Communications are your go to
people for marketing your service business on the Web. They take into account
your marketing plan and goals when creating a site that will help you attract
more new clients.
If you don't know the owner of the website, write them
a personal letter.
You may want to synopsize the benefits they can receive from linking
with you, and mention the ways your business complements theirs.
Follow the letter up with a timely phone call. This allows them
to read about what you do and who you are, and makes the phone
call so much easier. Encourage them to take a look at your site,
and tell them you will be calling back in the next few days to
ask them about trading links.
Confirm the Reciprocal Link Is Up
After they say "yes," put the link on your site as soon
as possible and send them a email or a note alerting them that the link is active.
This shows your good will and follow through, and motivates the other party
to follow suit.
Two weeks later, check their website for your link. If it’s up,
thank them again via snail mail or email. If not, write them a note reminding
them to add your link to their site. If they still don't do it, just move
on. There are plenty of other people on the Internet to link with!
Organize to Get Lots of Links
You might want to use an Excel spread sheet to help
you remember to follow-up with the other website owners. Keep a list of the website owners you’ve
contacted, date contacted, and the results of the conversation to make
following up easier.
There is no magic number of links that ensures high
visibility. But you
definitely will need several – why not start with 3-5 and plan to
add one more every week until you hit your target goal.
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