If you’re like most content creators, you may love the free publicity and SEO love you get when someone links to your website or content but you probably don’t like actively pursuing them. It can feel like you’re begging people to like you and—let’s face it—you are.

But while a lot of things have changed in marketing over the past decade, the importance of links is still relevant. Search engines use links from other sources to your website as an indicator of quality content. While it’s not the only indicator, it is an important one.

Your business website needs links to show the search engines you’re loved by others. But not all links are of the same worth. Here’s how you can get some great links for very little effort.

Some Links Are Better Than Others

First, let’s talk about how things used to be done and what you can no longer get away with. Back in the early days of link building, there were link farms and sites that offered to link to your content for money. It was lucrative for everyone involved but that practice has ended. Google grew wise to it.

Now it ranks links by the credibility of the website. For instance, a site like CNN that linked to your website would bolster the importance of your content in the “minds” of the search engine. However, you don’t need a site like that to get good vibes from the search engines. There are a lot of easier options out there such as the following:

4 Good Ways to Get Great Links

If you want good quality links back to your content, try these easy solutions.

1. The Alameda Chamber of Commerce. Our chamber of commerce has good credibility with search engines. Plus, we have lots of ways to showcase your content. There’s a business directory, we can mention you on our website or link to your business as a sponsor. You can also create a guest blog post for attribution and there may be other ways we can work together. If you’re looking for good backlinks, let’s talk.
2. Referable Content. Very few people will link to your content if it isn’t helpful, entertaining, or inspiring. You want to create content that people will find value in. Valuable content includes things like a well-researched article, a reference guide people could use when shopping for your product/service, a checklist or calculator that people would want to come back to. If you create something like this, writers creating articles on your topic may refer others to the tool you’ve created or the advice you’ve given. In fact, long form content receives 77% more links than short articles. A couple of good, well-researched long form pieces can be all you need to garner good links. If someone asks you if they can use your content or a quote from it, always ask for an attribution with a link back to it. Also, if you have a keyword alert for your business (and you should have those set up), or you come across someone using your work, ask that they give attribution with a link. Most people will accommodate you. Also, if you read an online article that you believe could benefit from your expertise or a link to your article or resource, don’t hesitate to reach out to the author. If you do, be specific about what your piece could add to theirs.
3. Business Associations. Business associations or industry magazines are always looking for content. If you’ve created something you are proud of, pitch it to your industry magazine. Then ask for the link.
4. The City of Alameda. The City of Alameda has business pages to help visitors know what’s open and what’s not. Ask to be included and ensure your info is up-to-date. The City may be able to include a link. Ask if it’s a no-follow link.

These are all easy ways to get credible links. However, there’s a lot more to know about this subject. If you want to know more about how Google and other search engines weigh links, click here.