Link Building to Increase Search Engine Ranking

Link building is definitely the hot thing right now. So, what exactly is link building? Simply put, link building means increasing the number of links on other websites which point to your website. Why do this? The idea is that in the eyes of the search engines, the more links a site has pointing to it, the more relevant and important it must be, therefore it gets ranked higher.

There are several ways to build external links, some more effective than others:

1. Submit your site to directories. This used to be very effective, but now since it seems like everyone is doing it, the search engines have caught on a bit, and it has also leveled the playing field to some extent. Submitting your site to directories in your industry is the best way to go.

2. Join online forums. Most forums allow you to have a signature which includes your url. Every time you post a comment, your url appears, thus another external link is born. Contribute to these forums, post new topics, get involved. The bonus is you can learn something while you're there.

3. Write and submit articles. If you like to write, this is a great tool for you. You can submit your articles to sites such as http://www.ezinearticles.com/, where others may use your articles on their sites. Every time your article appears, so does your signature which includes your link.

4. Join social networking sites. Sites such as http://www.linkedin.com/ (Which I use) or Myspace or Facebook are great places to interact with others, post comments, and a great place to build links.

5. Blogs. Start your own blog - its free and easy at http://www.blogger.com/ or http://www.wordpress.com/. It's a great source for links, and creates lots of relevant content. Also, post comments on other's blogs. This will create more links to you, plus if you post a comment on someone's blog, they are more likely to check yours out and do the same.

Keep in mind, though, link building is just one effective tool in the SEO arsenal. Do it well, but don't neglect the other methods.

Amir Watynski owns Watt Media, Inc., which helps businesses promote their services and enhance their image with telephone "on-hold" messages and music, and web design services. Website: http://www.watt-media.com Blog: http://blog.watt-media.com