Search engine optimization is something that has been evolving constantly since search engines first came into existence. For years, search engine algorithms were quite predictable and website owners could see success if they followed some pretty simple methods of link building and promotion.
Today, however, things are different, especially since the well known Penguin update that Google implemented a while back. Many of the link building tactics that worked just a short time ago are no longer effective, and in some cases, even highly detrimental to the rankings of those who use them. If you are wondering about what link building methods today are safe to use and will actually show results, then read the suggestions below.
Focus On Link Quality Over Quantity
A big mistake that many website owners today are making is that they are stuck in the mentality that building as many links from as many sources as possible is still a good way to go. Sadly, this is not true, and link quality is now much more important than link quantity. Focus your efforts on getting backlinks from only high quality websites with lots of authority.
Build Large Pages Of High Quality Content
Webpages with high word counts that contain well organized and genuinely helpful information are the ones that are ranking well today in Google. The reason for this is twofold. First, Google loves pages that have excellent information architecture, meaning that they are easy to read and contain a lot of information on a subject.
A long page is more likely to rank high than a short one is.Secondly, pages that contain information that is useful will be shared often by those who visit it. This allows links to build organically over time as more people visit a page and feel inspired to spread the word about it through their own websites.
It is because of this that on-page search engine optimization has become so popular in recent years. Many website owners are finding that if they just create compelling content, links will naturally begin to grow for them as a result.
Realize The Importance Of Anchor Text Diversity
In the past, you may have used the same anchor text for the links you built in order to get a page to rank for a specific term. For example, if you had a webpage about dog training, you would use the phrase “dog training” as the anchor text for your links as often as possible in order to rank for that specific term.
This is not as effective as it once was, and Google now highly values anchor text diversity and rewards it in their rankings. When you build links today, choose a wide range of keywords that you are prepared to use as anchor text.
Social Media Shares Can Boost Your Rankings
Social media websites are constantly growing, and it is no secret that you should have strong followings on several of them. Focus on communicating and interacting as much as possible with your various social media followers, but also encourage them to share your content.
Google now evaluates social shares across the main social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+. This is not something that most people think about when the topic of link building comes up, but social media shares can be just as valuable as the contextual links that most webmasters focus so strongly on acquiring.
Appear On News Websites
Links from reputable news websites are excellent links to focus on building as you try to figure out what will work best post Penguin. Build relationships with writers for news outlets through social media, email, connections within your industry and press releases.
Publish Guest Posts On Related Blogs
Many bloggers today allow people to guest post on their blogs, as it is a great way to build free content that is relevant to their readers, so you should definitely capitalize on this as often as possible.
Simply reach out to any bloggers who own blogs that are relevant to your niche and offer them some content. Get familiar with a bloggers’ past content and guest posters, then focus on creating guest posts that you think their readers will enjoy based on that assessment.
These are just a few of the most well proven link building tactics that are still showing positive results today despite the changes that the Penguin made to SEO for Google. If you take some time to implement them, you will increase your chances of rising in the search results for your target keywords and see more success than ever before.