SEO and the Importance of Link Building

Welcome back to our SEO guide, ok that sounds rather cheesy doesn't it? Let's just get cracking! So, currently we've been spending each day breaking down the complex process of search engine optimisation and explaining in simplistic detail, just what is involved and just what can be achieved. It's a complex process but when understood right it really can work wonders.

So we've explained the importance of content, having the right copy and fine tuning your website so it is up to scratch and you are ready to win the SEO battle. Now we're moving on to something just as important; the behind the scenes, magic little element that can take your site from zero to hero in no time; links.

Links are what give your website the power to get the push and stay on top of search results. Linking your website to high quality blog posts, social media sites sites, social bookmarking sites and so on will increase your relevance, your power on the web and improve the chances of search engines picking you up in results. Think of it this way; without petrol in your car you won't get anywhere, you will just sit there, someone may stumble upon you in passing but you won't ever reach the right destination. With a full tank of fuel you have the ability to reach the desired destinations and then some. Links are the fuel for your site and with good quality links you have the ability to reach the right audience and grab the top spot in search engine results.

There are two types of link building in the world of SEO, the first is White Hat link building which refers to good links to high quality content and relevant external sites which provide readers with something of value and entertainment. Such links will provide proof as to the standard of your site and hence its relevance to certain keywords, factors which Google take into account when determining results.

The other method as you have no doubt guessed is Black Hat link building which refers to the not so good, irrelevant and poor quality links to content that makes no sense and sites that are poor to say the least. Such links provide nothing for any audience, yet alone the right audience and hence won't bring them back to your site as potential customers. Black Hat link building is purely to confuse Google's search engine algorithm into thinking your website is relevant for those particular keywords and giving it the top spot. Many companies spend a huge chunk of their budget buying such links but unfortunately for them Google is now cracking down.

Be careful who you are linking to, you can never have enough good links. Providing something useful and entertaining will grab your audience and being them back to your site and links to reputable sites as well as internal linking will increase your traffic in and around your site. Link building is a must for SEO but it is a long process that requires a lot of work so make sure you take that into account. It is a fine art so don't take it upon yourself if you have never delved into it before; an SEO specialist with years of hands on experience is your best bet.

Links are the fuel for your website, don't run empty and certainly don't put the wrong one in; take the time to do it right and you could soon find yourself manoeuvring all the way to the top.