Seven ways to create link-friendly content

Linkbait has nothing to do with hot dog “links” or fish “bait,” but it has everything to do with catching folks’ attention, which can make you shout with glee: “Hot dog!” (Probably not “Fish!”)

Linkbait refers to content or a feature on a website that entices users to place links to it on other websites. Previously, Rand Fishkin, CEO of SEOmoz.org, wrote about linkbaiting on our YPN blog. We thought it would be a great idea to recap Rand’s informative and practical article, in case you missed it.

Linkbaiting is often seen as a form of viral marketing, which encourages users to pass along a message. When using linkbaiting, you may want to consider targeting link-friendly audiences such as bloggers, news sites and social media portals such as Flickr, Facebook and MySpace.

What Can You Use as Linkbait?
Rand explains that linkbait can be anything from a photo to an interactive web-based application to a “Top 10” list. In a nutshell, if your content sparks someone to link to it, it can be defined as linkbait.

The How and Why of Linkbait
Successful linkbait content generates buzz. As it is linked and passed on from site to site, the content gains traction and visibility. For example, let’s say you have a funny video of a dramatic and cute chipmunk on your site. Folks online will want to share this clip, and the next thing you know, it’s a world-wide internet phenomenon. (It’s actually a prairie dog from a Japanese telly show, but it’s still pretty darn funny.)

Rand explains that “Even after the initial buzz from your successful linkbaiting campaign dies down, your site’s traffic may stay on a slight increase due to a “linkbait bump” that keeps users circling back to your site.”

Rand’s Seven Tips for Linkbaiting:
1.  Find appropriate linkbait portals
2.  Understand your audience
3.  Brainstorm effectively
4.  Build beautiful bait
5.  Create a reputation
6.  Grab their attention
7.  Don’t be manipulative—and DON’T SPAM!

You can find more details on each step in Rand’s article.  Then…hot dog!

– Roger Park, Manager, Marketing Communications and office snacker