Brandon Coppernoll Web content management, internet marketing and social media in Indiana

Every internet marketing plan needs a link strategy

I've been amazed at the increase of traffic my blog has been getting lately. I know I have been writing about this more often, but I think there are small steps that I'm taking that is making this happen. If you want to have some success at blogging and your overall social networking presence I think there are lessons to be learned. Last week I touched on 5 simple steps to improve your search engine rank, but today I want to touch on a link strategy which will also bring more attention to your blog or your site if executed properly.

The focal point of any link strategy I believe is to have a central point in which you are driving your traffic. This is important whether your are wishing to attract attention to your blog or your web site. Do not forget, however, that a link strategy and increased traffic does no good unless you have an obvious point of conversion.

A couple of benefits to a sound link strategy:

• Exposure. Well-placed links for your target audience increases your blog or site's exposure to the right people. You don't want to place links to a site that sells children toys on a death metal band's site. I know the idea is far-fetched, but I've seen mismatches of epic proportions such as this.
• Google. Search engines are also included in this, but this is better documented for Google. In short, Google's PageRank Algorithm measures the relevance of a site through the "weight" of links that point to it. The higher ranked the sites that link to your site, the more "weight" those sites have on giving your site "relevance" or "credibility."

I am finding to give your link strategy the most benefits from execution you must link to one central point. While it may be beneficial to let others know of your other "outposts" it's better to drive the majority of your traffic to your "home." From my blog I link back to my social networks to let my visitors know that my presence is in other places, but I must take the time to have each of the social networks I participate in link back to here because this is where I ultimately want you to be. My conversion here is interaction. If you post a comment then I know you're interacting with me at the level I wish. For your corporate or other site needs it may be to fill out a form, register or buy something. Conversion is where the rubber meets the road.

Related posts:

1. CASE STUDY: Analytical review of a website
2. HOW TO: Measure ROI using social media for your business
3. Fusework Studios’ agile approach to a web based strategy
4. Simple tip on an effective blog post