˜Inbound links” sometimes also called ˜back links” are simply links in other sites which when clicked lead back to your site.   It has long been used in promoting and improving the search engine rankings of websites, but it is only lately that more scientific ways of generating inbound links have been put into writing.

Why Do It?

More quality traffic is the ultimate goal. Having a link from related, relevant sites will help you increase traffic in a number of ways.

First, you will receive qualified or relevant traffic from these sites. You will get you more traffic directly from these sites, and increase the probability that you will be found off of a link (via those sites) in the search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN , etc.

Second, the number of websites that link to your website is one of the MAIN factors that help search engines determine your relevancy for a search term. Acquiring new links from other websites will help you improve search engine rankings.

Search engines rank the importance of the sites that link to you. In other words if Business Spectacular links to your site, your credibility is higher than if Joe Public's Newsletter provides a link to your website.

It is important to remember that 85% of internet visitors use the search engines on a regular basis. Search engines beat all other media in driving visitors to websites. Moreover, the majority of users believe companies found in top search results are major brands = brand equity.

How Do You Do It?

While the process of procuring 'inbound links can be a lengthy process, it is a worthwhile pursuit. There are a plethora of wine related sites that list winery sites - some are free of charge and others are subscription based. This is also the case for most industries.

First, you should acquire links from human based directories such as Yahoo and the Open Directory Project. Take special care in accurately submitting your site in the right category and use a good description of the site. The search engines consider websites that are listed in the top directories to be credible sites.

Second, it is important to have a links from topic specific or niche directories. These types of websites provide news and information that are relevant to the content of your site. You need to write to these directories and request a link.

Third, you should try to procure 'resource links' from partners and vendors for your business. You are more likely to be able to request and receive a link from their website because of your existing business relationship.

Fourth, PR is an effective means of acquiring links. Press releases with your URL embedded) will help you secure links in news articles about your company. It will also help with creating awareness which may lead to unsolicited links from interested parties.

Lastly, it is important to create content or tools that inspire linking and make people want to bookmark your site. Ultimately, your site must offer good content and features that provide real value to your audience in order to build long-term link popularity. The likelihood of others linking to your site increases as people discover your website and its benefits.

Don'ts

We do not recommend the myriad of services that offer to link your site "to thousands of websites". Rarely, does one get quality links from these services. In addition, there are a number of sites out there that offer reciprocal links. We don't believe in these links as it is not prudent to direct traffic away from your site and search engines prefer one way links.

Whether you enlist the aid of a consultant or try to procure links on your own, quality 'inbound links' are becoming an increasingly important component of your direct marketing and sales activity to increase site traffic and drive sales.

In-Bound Links – It’s a Mindset Thing
                                                    Jim Kincaid

Increasing the inbound links to your website is a mindset thing.  Take an animal website.  Your club has a website. Your club has members with websites (multiple links). Your club belongs to a regional organization (link) which is part of a national organization (link).  Your club works with other clubs (multiple links) in your region. Your club puts on an annual show at a local facility / civic center (link). Your club schedules your show with a “show service” (link) to help put on the show. The intent of all the links is to improve the visibility, marketing, and ranking of your website.

These are all mindset things.  These are links that logically relate to the subject of your website.