Does Link Baiting Still Work? 3 Ways To Make It Last
The 2007 Bloggers Tournament was a huge success. It brought me huge bursts of traffic on the days when results were updated, particularly when I changed the campaigning rules to obtain extra votes by getting readers and friends to link to my competition. I also earned some new readers and subscriptions. But I’ve asked myself, “could this have been a more successful link baiting campaign”. The answer is simply “yes”.
What Is Link Bait?
Link bait is any content or feature within a website that somehow baits viewers to place links to it from other websites. There are several different types. Here is a list of types according to Wikipedia.
1. Clear Linking Instructions
It is very important to convey to your potential linkers how you wish a return link to appear. Provide simple instructions; and be sure those instructions include the anchor text you would like for them to use. This creates consistency and possibly better search engine positioning. For example, “when linking to this post, please use this anchor text“.
2. Give Your Readers A Reason To Link
Simply asking someone to “link to me” won’t do the trick. Linking to you must add value outside of simply helping them build some PR points or adding another notch in the Technorati ranking. “Adding value” pertains to the readership first, not to your search engine positioning. It always reverts back to the idea that content is king. Quality content = quality links. People are more likely to link to meaningful links. The SEO aspect will surely follow.
3. Advertise Your [Quality] Link Bait
Social bookmarking sites, buying link ads, and organic SEO tactics are three ways to get the word out — do you want it fast or slow? But, another method that was brought to my attention by a repected A-lister (who for whatever reason wishes to remain anonymous, but I can respect that) was to send the idea to big news sites (link not related to aforementioned anonyblogger), particularly sports-related sites like ESPN, CBS Sportsline, Yahoo! Sports, etc. Why I didn’t think of this before publishing the Bloggers Tournament is anybody’s guess. But in my defense, the Bloggers Tournament was somewhat of an impulse. The idea is not only to hope they help you spread the word, but to take the notoriety out of your project and give it some acclaim.
Link Baiting Is A Hot Topic
I decided to throw some ideas and perceptions out there based on my experiences with one type of link bait. While hunting down some good resources for this topic, I discovered that alot of bloggers are writting about it. They all offer interesting perceptions of their own.
Lee Odden at Online Marketing Blog talks about the difference between Link Bait vs. Digg Bait.
Jennifer Slegg discusses whether or not link bait is dying as a search optimization technique.
Todd Malicoat at Stuntdubl.com outlines the list of link baiting hooks I listed above, and adds two of his own: the Ego Hook and the Incentive Hook.
Peter Da Vanzo at the V7 Network expands on the value-added approach of link baiting.
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April 5th, 2007 at 9:25 am
DERRICH MAN, great post! Imma shoot you over some link lovin here inna few minutes dude, enjoy.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:37 am
[…] Derrich comments on Link Baiting, giving us 3 ways to make it last. Filed Under Stock Talk and Daily Links | Subscribe to the Blog RSS | Recieve Blog Updates by Email! […]
April 5th, 2007 at 9:44 am
As you can see, it still works
April 5th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Touche’, my friend.
April 6th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
agreed
i believe you answered your own question in the post. which is good for you! 
April 6th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Man. I think I’m making real progress here.
April 5th, 2007 at 11:03 am
This one has worked the best for me so far.
http://www.techrivet.com/2007/04/03/techRivets+Free+Media+Pack+2007.aspx
I plan to update it and publish it again.
g
ps - nice site.
April 5th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Derrich nice post dude… whatever you did with the turnament is nothing but the contest was really good
April 5th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
So your numbers from the Blogging Tournament are still sticking around? Could you happen to give us some numbers or percentages as to how much the tournament helped your blog? I’d be interested in knowing how many now loyal readers you’ve gained
(ok i admit to being one)
April 5th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
[…] Link baiting still work? [derrich] […]
April 6th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
[…] Derrich.com - The Tourney man is back and asking “Does Link Baiting still work?” My answer - Hell Ya! […]
April 13th, 2007 at 6:52 am
Yes, I agree with this one. Provide unique and useful information, service or product mostly will get link bait.