If you have been in the link building business over the past years, you must have noticed that things don’t work the same way any longer.
Generating tons of search engine traffic by slapping a few reciprocal links on your page simply does not work.
Before you embark on your one way link building quest, it’s useful to understand what strategies DID matter a while ago, but are merely obsolete today - learn from the history, you know.
Link Building Mistake #1.
PRECISE ANCHOR TEXTS - previously, SEOs used to optimize their sites by using the same anchor text for all their links.
Well, this strategy is not that hot these days; as a matter of fact, you can be penalized by Google for doing that and not even know it.
Natural anchor texts are the key today.
But what is natural you might ask?
Basically, a natural link looks like it was built by a user, not an SEO. Normal users would not use a precise anchor text in their links, neither should you.
In practical terms, when working on your link building, don’t just use your high value keywords in your links, but throw in a few “natural speech” words in their as well, like “cool site”, “click here”, etc. Don’t over-optimize!
Link Building Mistake #2.
GOOGLE PAGERANK - is not a good indicator of the page strength any longer. The famous green bar has been a JOKE ever since Matt Cutts of Google confirmed that Google “takes care of people querying the PR data too much or too heavily.” (resource link: http://www.marketingfan.com/matt-cutts-confirms-we-return-ed-random-pagerank-data)
Sounds like Google returns random page rank data if they feel like it - just because it’s fun to fool SEOs.
Link Building Mistake #3.
ALEXA RANK - this metric is geared towards online marketers and does not truly measure ALL the traffic that might come to your site.
It’s based on the sample of Alexa tool bar users, it’s browser specific and can be easily manipulated. Plus, the formula itself Alexa uses to determine its page rank is overwhelmingly debated.
Link Building Mistake #4.
GOOGLE BACKLINKS DATA - don’t ever trust Google to really tell you how many links a specific website has. Plus, when you do a Google search on your links, random samples are returned, so you might see the spammiest of all links you have.
This was also confirmed by Google in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjQ2QVQpaK0
Link Building Mistake #5.
GOOGLE CACHE DATE - this metric has also been used and abused by SEOs to the point that it cannot be relied upon. Juicy pages that rank are often returned as having no cache set.
So forget about the cache date as well.
Now that you know what NOT TO DO, spread the word! Let your friend, colleague, downline know!
And, yes, leave me a comment while you are at it - I truly need your feedback to keep me going.
PS For more no-nonsense marketing training and tips from Ana, fill out this short spam-free form:
PPS This is my best link building secret:
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! Interesting news! I’m still a rookie at this so every little bit of information helps.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
To your success,
Ilka
Any time, Ilka. I’d say knowing what I know about you, you are doing incredibly great for a rookie!
Ana
Love the Daily Bible verses and your pps for today- way too much activity - taking on 5 goals a day and making a list!
Thanks for stopping by, Carol - glad you enjoyed my inspiration for the day!
You are absolutely right: the way to build a solid business is brick by brick. Next thing you know, you’ll have a wall.
And please don’t hesitate to ask questions if there is something you need a clarification on.
Ana
That’s another great article on building links. I have noticed that the only way to build good links is to be consistent and avoid manipulating the ever changing system in place. Success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration.
Rodney
Garagestud.com
http://garagestud.com/auto-garage-accessories
Very well said, Rodney; persistence will always win, no matter what the current search engine algorithm is!
Thanks for the comment!
Ana
Ana,
Good information as always. I am slowly starting to understand. Everything you say is very positive and informative
I know, Mark, it’s not exactly your basic stuff, but any business owner hoping to have their website found has to know these things.
If you have questions - ever ask me. Those who ask shall learn:).
Ana
Hey Ana,
I have not left many comments lately but always read your posts. Always a pleasure to stop by your blog. My Blackberry doesn’t allow me to leave comments because of the settings.
Plus- I love what you did to your blog…It looks AWESOME!
These are great tips and I recently found out that an Alexa rating doesn’t mean JACK. Many people don’t realize these link building mistakes. You are providing a great service to network marketers by pointing them out. Thank you :O)
Solid gold as always Ana!!
Have a great night,
Tommy D.
Thanks, Tommy. I must say even though I know that PR or Alexa ranking mean nothing, it still feels sort of nice to see the numbers growing/shrinking the right way, doesn’t it?
Pleasure to see you on my blog, as always.
Ana
Hey Ana,
Awesome article as always! Great tips… I’m learning and implementing at the moment.
You are the BEST!
Much success,
Mavis Nong
You made me blush, Mavis:).
You said the key word though: IMPLEMENTING. Music to my ear.
Ana
What happened Ana?
You need our feedback’s in order to keep going… but this article is not bringing much positive value…
1. “This strategy is not that hot these days” …..
2. “Google returns random page ranks” …..
3. Alexa in no good…
4. “Don’t ever trust Google” …..
5. So forget about the cache date as well…
Are you joking or what?
OK, Ana and dear readers- Everything is OK. It is a great post, because so many get carried away with all those proofs to get a new customer…
Ana is an honest leader to be followed!!!
I hope some one will make a video or an article about most overrated statement “Look I am #1 on Google” … Well I am too! (from my IP address)
Thank You for sharing! *Peace* & *Smiles*
With Respect,
Slavik G.
You always manage to grab my attention, Slavik!
As they say it, the proof is in the pudding.
The reason people strive for these rankings is to gain new business - obviously. For those of you who are generating business from being ranked in Google - congrats, you have arrived. Just keep it up.
For those of you who are still working on it, the main point here is MANAGE YOUR TIME well. It’s too easy to be sidetracked by the thinks that don’t matter.
Bottom line is produce good content for the people, build links for the engines.
Ana
Great article on link building. I also get your emails very informative I often times finding myself sharing your emails with my list.
For bloggers I think the best link building strategy is to make friends with other bloggers and add value to their post.
I agree with Tommy you blog looks great!
Larry
I appreciate you stopping by, Larry. I did not realize you were on my list - it’s an honor.
You are absolutely right about bloggers networking together - that’s the best way to spread the word about our blogs.
Thanks again,
Ana
Great article on link building. I’m downloading the link-assist software to try it out and see how it works. Hopefully it will help drive some traffic to my blog.
Thanks!
Thanks, Ray - and you’ll love Link Assistant; I’ve been using it for quite a while now, makes it a cinch to outdo your competition.
Ana