How to Generate Inbound Links with Remarkable Content

Link building is no longer about submitting your site to local directories.

There is a new method to building inbound links. Due to the sophistication of search engine algorithms, you no longer need to please search engine crawlers.  It is all about being a source of quality content.

While many companies often resort to spamming blog comments, asking for backlinks, not only is that not necessary but it won't make people want to read your blog.

You might be wondering how you can generate links through content. Developing inbound links doesn't need to be that hard. We've identified four essential elements that will have other companies and brands linking to your content in no time.

4 Ways to Generate Inbound Links with Content

Creating Quality Content

The greatest thing about creating quality content, is that people will naturally link to you. By investing in good quality content, you will create web pages your visitors will enjoy. The main purpose of creating quality content is providing value to your target audience.

Not sure if you're developing remarkable content, ask yourself:

• Is there a purpose to the content I'm writing?

• Am I targeting the right audience with my content?

• Which posts are performing the best?

• What keywords am I using? Are they successful?

When talking about generating quality content, John Jantsch from Duct Tape Marketing states, "The fact that only 18% are focused on creating quality content doesn't surprise me. The fact is creating quality content is hard work and it takes a commitment on the part of marketing leadership to pour the time, energy and journalistic resources into it. But, like all things, when you see the payoff you make it a priority."

Maintaining a Steady Blog

This has been mentioned over and over, but your visitors won't come back to your blog or website if you aren't routinely creating content and maintaining a steady blog. According to HubSpot, "companies that blog have 97% more inbound links."

Consider setting up a monthly blog schedule, outlining how often you want to blog and what topics you want to cover. It is important that you routinely maintain and update your blog, publishing current and fresh content that's aimed towards the needs of your target audience.

Link to Other Companies

Your blog is meant to be social. The more you link to others, it's more likely they will return the favor. A great fact from HubSpot, is that "link sharing among blog readers peaks around 7AM." Knowing that fact, consider publishing your content around that time. Not only will developing quality content make other companies and brands to link back to your site, but don't be afraid to ask for reviews and partner with companies in complementary industries. It is actually common practice for companies to develop partnerships, linking to great content each other publishes. Don't go linking to every piece of content they publish. This is not going to increase your trust with search engines, this can appear similar to "link baiting".

Don't just tweet and share peoples content on social media, actually link to other blogs and companies on your own blog. A great example would be to develop an example post where you mentioned companies.

Some examples include:

• Web Design 2.0: Above the Fold is Old

• 35 Companies Rockin’ A Strong Visual Presence On Pinterest

• 3 Reasons Why Your Website Needs an Introductory Video

• The Top 12 CRM’s You Can Integrate With HubSpot

• Tips For Developing a Successful Video Blog

• 7 Exceptional Recruitment Videos That Attract Qualified Talent

Leverage Social Media Tools

A great way to expand the presence and reach of your content is by leveraging social media tools. Search engines are now looking to see what content and information is being shared in social media, making "social signals" an important ranking factor in ranking organically. The biggest part of getting inbound links is actually sharing your content to the millions of people using social media and searching the Internet.

Have you ever considered incorporating "Tweet This" links into your content? Who wouldn't want to give readers and fans the opportunity to share your content socially. Providing greater visibility in search engines, news feeds, Twitter streams, etc. Social media isn't a fad, it's a revolution. Not only do you need to develop quality content that will grab the attention of industry thought leaders you need to influence your prospects and leads.

Photo Courtesy of HubSpot