If you haven't done so already, please be sure you understand the purpose behind linking by reading our introduction to links at Linking: What You Need To Know before moving forward...
After you've downloaded the Google Toolbar (its free!), you may move forward with the reciprocal linking process...
This tool bar allows its users to view the page rank a particular website has received from Google. A higher page rank indicates that a website is more popular than another which is what you want to be sure of when asking another site to reciprocate links. Once installed find websites that you're interested in trading links with.
That being said, a relevant link is better than NO link as long as you aren't jeopardizing the integrity of your own site with a link back.
Its as simple as this...
- Are you willing to send people from your site to theirs as a referral?
- Is this a valuable site to be on? Have integrity here!
Once you've found a website with enough RELEVANCE, you're ready to begin the exchange process. You'll want to locate one of several different types of buttons on this website.
Links or buttons that read "add you're website", "advertise with us", "link exchange", "link affiliates", or even "link partners" can usually be found somewhere on a websites homepage or main navigation bar. Clicking on these links will usually provide you with either a direct means of contact (email), or a form that will ask for several pieces of information.
At this point you have two choices. One, you may choose to fill out this form and begin the linking process, or two, you may send us a link to this website so that we may handle the process for you.
Additionally if you are apprehensive about linking with a particular site for any reason it's best to contact us first. Should you decide to fill out the form you may be unsure of what it's asking for. If that's the case refer to the terms below for more information on how to obtain and provide that site with the information it's asking for. The form may look like this:
Thank you for your interest in link exchange! Please fill in the requested information.
Name:
Email:
Phone:
Business Name:
Website Title:
URL:
Reciprocal Link URL:
Keywords:
Description:
Form Fields
When looking over or attempting to fill out a form such as this, there are some individuals who may not understand what the form is asking for or how to go about obtaining such information. The following terms will help you better understand what is being asked for and how to get it.
Name: Forms normally ask for a name so that the person who receives the completed form will be able to identify you. When asking another website to reciprocate links the name field is almost always a mandatory field.
How to Obtain: We all know our names!
Email: Reciprocal linking forms always ask for an email address. Your email address not only allows the site your sending information to, to contact you and let you know that a link to your site has been added but sometimes appears on the website along with your company information as well. This provides a sites visitors with a way to contact you directly. We recommend using a business or site related email address when filling out a form such as this.
How to Obtain: Choose an email address that you check regularly and have at it!
Phone: Reciprocal linking forms ask for phone numbers for the same reason they ask for an email address...to allow for the reciprocating website and their visitors to contact you. Again we recommend that you use a business number.
How to Obtain: Select a phone number that will be answered by your business. Personal numbers not only cost you privacy but its best to keep a professional appearance.
Business Name: When a website places a link to your website on theirs, the name of your business is often turned into that link. Additionally who advertises their business without mentioning the name of their business?
How to Obtain: Use either the name of your business or website.
Website Title: The title of your website is the information that tells both visitors and search engines what your website is all about. Site that reciprocate links with you will often use this information to describe your business and the link back to your website.
How to Obtain: Go to your homepage. Once the page has loaded hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard down. While holding this key down press "U" (in Firefox). This will bring up a notepad that displays the source code that makes up your website. With the notepad open select the Ctrl key on your keyboard. While holding this key down press "F" and search for "title"
You'll need to copy only the information in between the two title tags and then paste that into the form field named "website title." A tag open and closes with
URL: When a form asks for a URL it's asking for your web address. This is always mandatory as well when filling out a linking form. The site you're exchanging links with will need this information to link back to your website.
How to Obtain: Your business, your web address, you know it!
Reciprocal Link URL: When a form asks you for this information it's asking you where it can find a link to itself on your website. Always add the other sites information to your site before filling out these forms as most will check your site for a link back before sending your information to the other website.
How to Obtain: Open your website, specifically the page that contains links to those with whom you reciprocate with. Once there right click on the page and select either "properties" or "view page info". Selecting either of these will present you with the web address of that page which you can then copy and paste into the form field.
Keywords: The keywords reciprocal linking forms ask for can be found within your "meta" information. These keywords help the search engines determine what kind of content your website contains. These are of the utmost importance and should be included anytime a form asks for them.
How to Obtain: Go to your homepage. Once the page has loaded hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard down. While holding this key down press "U". This will bring up a notepad that displays the source code that makes up your website. With the notepad open select the Ctrl key on your keyboard. While holding this key down press "F" and search for "keywords."
You'll need to copy only the information in between the two title tags and then paste that into the form field named "website title."
Description: The description within your meta tags much like your keywords helps search engines and readers determine what your website is all about. Descriptions however are not comprised of separated words but rather coherent sentences that describe your business and your site.
How to Obtain: Go to your homepage. Once the page has loaded hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard down. While holding this key down press "U". This will bring up a notepad that displays the source code that makes up your website. This will bring up a notepad that displays the source code that makes up your website. With the notepad open select the Ctrl key on your keyboard. While holding this key down press "F" and search for "description."
You'll need to copy only the information that appears after the "content=" and then paste that into the form field named "description".
- After you've filled out the form or emailed your description, title, and keywords to the site you'd like to reciprocate with, you need to keep an eye out for their response. Any sites that do not respond or respond with a "no thank you" should be removed from your website at the first available opportunity. Leaving such links to other websites in place benefits only those sites that you're linking to which is counterproductive in linking strategies.
- You'll want to be aware that some sites may actually provide interested parties with html coding that needs to be places on your linking page. When this scenario arises simply email us the code and we'll add it to your website. Once we've added it to your links page you can contact the website you're interested in linking with and let them know you've already added them to your site.
There will be some rare cases where a website wants to exchange links with you but is unsure of how to make additions to their website. If and when this scenario arises, you may request that they either speak with their site manager, or ask for direct access to their website so that Cal Coast Web Design can make the additions for them. Anytime this scenario occurs you will be charged for the additions however.
Should you have any questions regarding reciprocal linking or links in general please contact us so that we can help!
Want to speak with an expert at Cal Coast Web Design?
|
|
We know what it means to be busy. We know you have a business to attend to. Let us help ease the process with our business jargon, not geek speak. |
|
|
|
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment