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Why Good Link Builders Fail: Reason Two
December 20, 2009
Table of Contents
Ten Reasons Why Good Link Builders Fail (Introduction)
Reason One: Self-Doubt
So, we've covered the biggest reason why good link builders fail. The second reason? They don't learn best practices.
It seems counter-productive to want to do something and do it well and not learn the best way to do it. And "best practices" can mean different things to different people. There's so much talk about "black hat" vs. "white hat" and the ever elusive "gray hat" way to do link building. But let's face it: there's a good way to do it and a not so good way.
The first question you need to ask yourself is "Who Am I Learning From?" Are you learning from a "guru" who advocates SPAM methods? What about someone who just learned this a month ago? Or someone who writes all the time about link building but has never had a happy client? Take some time and do some research on that person before you trust everything that they say. Do they have any recommendations from clients on their site? LinkedIn? What about forum or blog posts? How do they handle disagreements that go public?
Check your sources. I repeat, check your sources. When it's your reputation on the line, wouldn't you rather be sure that you're doing the best possible job you can? One bad mark of publicity can derail your entire career. Treat your reputation wisely and be sure you're not repeating bad information.
The other thing I see a lot is a link builder who gets a link through a questionable (and sometimes deceptive) method then advocates this as THE way to build links. Just because something works once, don't count on it as a long-term strategy. Do the less than tactful approaches to link building work? Sure, sometimes they do. Personally, I'd rather do it the right way every time. But that's just me.
Link building teams are incredibly dynamic and I love the team I work with. (Translation: I have the best link builders working with me.) We're a group of really talented individuals that put the needs of our clients first and work our rear ends off to do the best job we can possibly do. We're also a group that argues from time to time. But it's a good thing.
My team is great at bringing up things that they've tested, read about or are curious to learn more about in our regular team meetings. Sometimes, as the leader of this Motley Crue style group, I need to put my foot down. But I enjoy the conversations and the debate that it sparks.
My answer most of the time? Show me. Don't test this stuff on clients, but set up a test and run it by me. Prove me wrong. I'm willing to admit it when I'm shown it. But you have to show me.
The moral of this little anecdote? Speak up. If you're working with a group that's testing some choppy waters, speak up. Afraid to do that? Maybe you should re-read the post about Self-doubt. Link building is a combination of art and science and a little bit of gut instinct. If the group shuts you down, ok. But at least you spoke up. That's worth its weight in gold at the end of the day.
All posts by Angela Moore
posted by Angela Moore at December 20, 2009 01:18 PM
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Comments
Great Post Angela!
Best practices are very key, I'm glad you touched on this point. Having a good team is a great plus! I look forward to more of your great content Angela.
Jason
Posted by: Jason Braud at December 21, 2009 03:37 PM
Thanks for this post ..........Great information!
Posted by: Seo Marketing Company at December 23, 2009 02:03 AM
Great information...looking for your other blog.
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