|
Reciprocal_Linking_in_a_Nutshell
| Reciprocal Linking in a Nutshell
As you probably know, one of the main differences between Web
media and traditional print media such as books, magazines,
etc., is the ability to jump to topics of interest through
hyperlinks in the documents you read. From a marketing
standpoint, this can create very targeted traffic.
For example, a visitor to a medical reference site who is
reading an article related to diabetes management would very
likely click on a link to another site specializing in blood
glucose monitoring systems. It would be in the best interest of
the site providing the blood glucose monitoring systems to try
to solicit a link from the reference site. Vice versa, by
providing a link to the reference site, the site offering the
blood glucose monitoring systems would provide a valuable
reference source to its customers. Similar benefits could be
imagined from the perspective of the medical reference site as
well. A common linking arrangement would be for both sites to
provide links to each other. This is known as reciprocal
linking, and it can be the source of very targeted,
well-qualified traffic to your Web site.
The key to successful reciprocal linking is based on two things:
finding the right sites to solicit links from and the
positioning of the link within each site. You must first find
sites that are somehow related to the product or service you are
offering, and contact the owner or Webmaster of those sites to
arrange a link trade. (Posting their link first is a sign of
good faith on your part.) In positioning the link, make sure
that it is located in an accessible part of your site - but not
too accessible; You don't want your traffic being diverted by
the red, bold-faced, "Click Here for My Friend's Amazing Site"
link on your home page. Likewise, make sure that the link you
receive from the other site is in a decent location.
About the author:
Alan is the lead developer for InfoServe Media, LLC
(http://www.infoservemedia.com/), a Web development company that
specializes in Web site design, hosting, domain name
registration, and promotion for small businesses.
|
|
| |
| |
