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Why Good Link Builders Fail: Reason Three
December 26, 2009
Table of Contents
Ten Reasons Why Good Link Builders Fail (Introduction)
Reason One: Self-Doubt
Reason Two: Not Learning Best Practices
We've covered two really basic reasons why good link builders don't become great. Obviously self-doubt and the lack of best practices in their approach are slightly "duh" reasons. Well, prepare yourself because we're about to cover a third topic like that.
Ready? The third reason why good link builders fail is that they fail to expand their link building education.
Before you completely write off this post as another "duh" reason, hear me out. Because I think EVERY link builder has fallen victim to this. We (as an industry) have a nasty habit of getting into a rut and then camping out for a while. Or perhaps an eternity.
So consider these questions:
Are you questioning the "experts?" If not, why? Do you (deep down) know a better way to do something? Just because someone blogs that you should or should not do something do you automatically rush out and do it or do you think it through? People get really good at what they do because they constantly question things and try and find a better way. They differentiate themselves from everyone else. It's a good thing. If you're not doing it, try it.
Assuming that you read some link development blogs, who are you reading? Has it changed at all since you started building links? If you've been doing this for more than six months and the answer is no, consider a red flag coming your way. Things change and new link builders who are really good at what they do are appearing every day. Have you met them yet? The best way to find them is to browse the blogrolls of other link builders. Who are they recommending?
But, I'm going to go back to the "question the experts" note. Just because I think link builders should read Wiep's blog (and yes, he does rock), that doesn't mean he'll help you specifically. Different strokes for different folks and all that.
And beyond that, are you reading blogs that cover social media and copy writing? I've found those types of sites to be awesome fodder for some amazing link building concepts. Don't limit your ability to learn by only focusing on link building blogs. You could be missing a whole lot of awesome stuff.
Have a hunch about something? Test it. The best link builders out there are always testing things to see what happens and what impacts can be made by isolating variables and making evaluations. Learn your analytical jargon and start tracking what happens when you apply something to a site.
So, here's what you need to do: make education a priority. Don't pass up on free webinars, read some white papers and update your Google Reader.
And all the education in the world is great, but it amounts to nothing if you don't apply it. So get busy.
All posts by Angela Moore
posted by Angela Moore at December 26, 2009 01:56 PM
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Comments
Great post! I don't think people realize how important what you're trying to say is. I used to work at AT&T as a search engine marketing specialist and the Yellowpage reps used to ask me all of the time how I know so much about SEO and "link building".
My answer was always the same - I read and have been practicing this stuff for years! But more importantly, I wanted to teach them that as little reading as 1/2 each day would make them smarter and more valuable to their clients than any other rep in the office!
It's not that hard. You mentioned Google Reader....mine is packed full of Link Building blogs like Aaron Wall, Wiep(love Wiep's blog BTW!), and Hobo. This is how I constantly stay on top of what's happening.
I'm not an expert by any means, nor do I ever claim to be one. But I can tell you that I become more and more advanced every day just because of one simple fact - I read and practice constantly!
Great post! Thanks again!
Posted by: Curtis at January 21, 2010 11:51 PM