SEO Writing: The Importance of Outbound Links
When discussing SEO and the importance of links, most of what you will read about is inbound links. But, outbound links are important as well, for the following reasons.
SEO Writing: 4 Reasons to Use Outbound Links
I. In Your SEO Writing, Strive to Become a “Go To” Source
What is the primary purpose of content? To inform the reader, right? Good information leads to trust, which leads to sales. Never forget this. One way to completely inform your readership is to link to helpful sources.
When you become a reliable source – by providing links to other relevant, helpful content – your readers will start to rely on you more and more. In essence, you do their research for them. And face it, most of us surf the web, we want the most concise, relevant, reliable information we can find. And, if we can get it all in one place – that makes a site “bookmarkable.”
As no one person/blog/website can possibly know everything on a given subject matter; not only does it make sense to link out to other sources, it makes for thorough reading as well.
II. As an SEO Writer, Link to Highly Reputable Sources
Now that you know why you should link out to other sites/blogs, let’s turn our attention to which ones you should focus on. And, these should be – for the most part – high-ranking, reputable sites/blogs.
Every niche has a few authority sites/blogs. For example, if you wanted to find “freelance writing jobs”, you’re going to run across Deb Ng’s site, FreelanceWritingGigs.com, among a few others.
If you want know “how to make money blogging”, you’re going to run across ProBlogger.com.
If you want to know “how to be a direct mail copywriter”, you’re going to run across Bob Bly’s site, Bly.com.
If you want to know “how to become an SEO writer”, you’re going to run across this site, SeoWritingJobs.com.
Why is linking out to reputable, highly ranked sites important. Quite simply, many SEO experts believe that it helps your site’s ranking. No one knows the algorithms search engines use to rank sites. What is known is that there is one formula, but that the more quality links that are pointing in – and out – does help a site.
It’s one more thing you can do to “SEO your site,” along with using appropriate tags, keywords, anchor text, etc. And, speaking of anchor text . . .
III. In Your Outbound Links, Use Appropriate Anchor Text
Your anchor text should ideally be high-ranking keywords/keyword phrases. As stated in last week’s post here entitled, SEO Tip on Website Linking: The Importance of Intrasite Links:
Never use phrases like “click here” or “read more” as anchor text. This is a wasted SEO opportunity for it doesn’t give search engines any information at all. Use your keywords, where possible, as anchor text.
Remember, anchor text informs search engines about what a page is all about. The more info you give them, the more you help your site – and the one you’re linking to (which other webmasters will appreciate).
IV. Remember, Outbound Linking Is Relationship Building
As mentioned above, other webmasters appreciate it when you find their content worthy enough to link to, especially when you haven’t asked for a link in return.
By using outbound links strategically, over time you’ll build up your site/blog’s reputation as an authority. In essence, by “hobnobbing” with other high-ranking sites, you become associated with them – and you eventually become an authority as well.
Note: Don’t only seek high ranking sites to link out to. If the information is relevant and thorough and you think it will serve your readership, link to it. Remember, the end user should always be kept in mind.
Hence, the goal with all SEO tactics is to become a reputable resource for your target market. A helpful tip, insight, solution may come from a little-known, non-ranking site. As long as it fits, link to it.
The Bottom Line on Outbound Links
SEO writing is a skill – a skill that requires many nuances. Knowing when to link, to whom, and how is what sets expert SEO copywriters apart – and the sites they write for.
Here’s to your SEO writing and marketing efforts!
Yuwanda
http://InkwellEditorial.com
http://SEOWritingJobs.com
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Copyright © 2009: Yuwanda Black for SEO Writing Jobs. This content may not be reproduced or redistributed without the express, written consent of the author.