In search engine optimization, “off page” factors have become more and more important as they relate to rankings. Why? Because the engines don’t want “artificially created” (or useless) links, so there are no easy ways to build link popularity. If you use them as recommended in this article, you will have no problems. This is just like link building. Now that we’ve gotten the preliminaries out of the way, let’s get down to business: learning ways to increase the link popularity of our sites.

Tell them where the link on your site will be or set the link up in advance with the stipulation that you’ll be glad to leave it there if they’ll add a link to you in kind. Go to the major search engines. Pre-qualify the people you solicit for reciprocal links. This is also similar to link building videos. Search for sites that rank high for search terms that are important to you, then look through the search results for sites that do not compete with you.

Don’t be surprised if they DO link back. The popularity of About and the extent of their quality links positions the network as a mandatory stop in a marketing campaign. Are there any organizations or associations connected with your industry? What about educational establishments? Publications? News sites? They read the popular search engine boards.

If you are linked to by a directory like Yahoo, LookSmart, or Dmoz you get a boost. Remember to give your very best to your fellow Webmasters as these relationships are win/win. In other words, give the site owner something they can use that delivers real value to their constituents. Actually you win twice! First, because you have a good testimonial for your product/service and second, you’ve increased your link popularity — all with one link! Make sure that the link under the testimonial opens in a new browser window so that you don’t lose that visitor to the linked site.

This works because you’re giving away something of value, and when people find it valuable, they’re likely to reciprocate. Sometimes this can be similar to link building expert to many people. Have an easy way for people to link back to an article or content if they like it.