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Local and Links: A Match Made in Heaven?
September 16, 2008
A good friend of mine, Adam, suggested that I do a post on How can local information, events, news, and other local fodder help your link development campaign? Oh, let me count the ways. Local search is a huge marketing push right now online. From Google maps to your local radio station’s Web site, the opportunities are endless for link development.
Of course, this is taking into account a couple of factors. First of all, that you are, in fact, local. If you have a brick and mortar location, you have the opportunity to be listed in the local search engines of Google, Yahoo, and the like. You can also get submitted to other Internet Yellow Pages (IYPs) and Local Directories like Best of the Web’s.
But there’s more to it than that. There is a world of opportunity when you look at your community and what is currently happening in it. Of course, the second assumption I am making is that you are active in your community. Whether it be community service, local festivals, or other popular events that you are participating in, you can make a name for yourself (and get some links) by doing some selfless service.
1. Sponsoring community organizations or events – Do you faithfully sponsor a local race, fundraiser, hospital or charity every year? Ask for a link from their Web site to yours if you don’t already have one. If you do have one, check to see if the link says what you want it to say. If the link is actually a hyperlinked image, make sure an ALT tag is included.
2. Receiving awards from local organizations – Ask if the organization has a page on their Web site for past recipients and see if a link has been included by your name. If not, a gentle suggestion may be a good idea. But, of course, don’t be pushy. It’s their site, they can do what they want. Additionally, ask if you can do an online press release about the award. Ask for a quote and syndicate it to an online service. Include a link to the organization as well as to your own site. If they are planning on doing their own, ask them to include a link to your site as well.
3. Current events – is your community going through some rough times and they need your expert advice? Create content that is specifically geared towards the current state of affairs and give tips on what the community can do. Then reach out to your local newspaper’s site and let them know the resource is available on your site.
4. Local Business Organizations and the Chamber of Commerce – Are you a member of a local group that is affiliated with the professional community or your particular industry? See if your terms of membership include a link from their Web site to yours.
If you’re not currently doing any of these things, get active. If you can make a positive impact on your community, you’re sure to be rewarded. Of course, I’m hoping that links are not your only motivation for doing good things for those around you. But, getting active in your community and staying on top of the needs of your potential client base will pay dividends in the long run.
All posts by Angela Moore
posted by Angela Moore at September 16, 2008 05:45 AM
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Comments
This is a very interesting and amazing blog.
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lauran
Posted by: lauran at October 21, 2008 09:37 PM