Connecting on Social Networks: Most professional link builders use email exclusively for their outreach efforts. It’s not because email is a better form of communication… it is just the most scalable. It is easier to create templates and fire off thousands of emails, than it is to actually take the time to connect with someone. However, link building is really about making connections. That is why you should really start by connecting with people on Social Networks. Follow them wherever they are. Every social network has some format for posting, messaging, liking and sharing (or some form of those) and this is a great place to start. When you show someone that you are genuinely interested in them, they are much more likely to be interested in you. And, if what you are doing is relevant to their interests, and you are creating high quality stuff… you could build a connection that benefits you far more than just getting a link. Of the social networks, LinkedIn is really the only one that lets you mass harvest people’s email addresses… so that is something to keep in mind. Social networks allow you to see what they post, what they like, what groups they join and more.
So, once you have done some link prospecting, take the top 10-20% of those prospects and get a bit personal by connecting with them on social networks.
Email: The primary contact information that you should want to collect is email addresses. This will allow you to greatly speed up your outreach. However, this type of outreach does have a very low response rate because most website owners get a constant stream of spam from cheap link builders. Yes, your purpose for reaching out is so that you can build links, but don’t be cheap about it. Approach it like you are trying to build a relationship and find out how you can benefit each other. It is difficult to cut through the noise when your only outreach is email… but it is definitely a foundation for communication.
Phone: Far too many people are afraid of picking up the phone. But, the truth is, no link builders pick up the phone. If you can get someone on the phone, you will definitely break through the noise and give yourself a chance to be heard. Remember to start by complimenting them on their work… be specific, talk about a specific point in a specific piece that you read. Then, quickly let them know how your work is related and ask them if they would consider taking a look at your work and letting you know what they think. Now this is the really important part. Do not ask for a link on the first call. If you do, they will instantly label you as an asshole who wasted their time in the middle of their busy day. Instead, just ask them to check out your work. Offer to send them a link and ask for their email. Then thank them in advance for their feedback. The last part of this is that you will have to follow up with them… and hopefully develop enough of a relationship where they will either write about you, share your content through their social networks, allow you to guest post on their site or all of the above.
Sending Actual Snail Mail: When was the last time someone sent you an actual letter that wasn’t a bill? If you send someone a letter, it would be kind of weird… but it would stand out, and it could get their attention. Especially if you follow up with an email and social connection request. Remember, if you think it could be a really valuable link partnership, and you find it impossible to get through to them through other means… you could give this a shot.
If You Use These Steps and Processes
Your Success Rate Will Quadruple!
Next In the next lesson we will discuss the most powerful link building concept of anything that we have touched on so far. Get ready to learn how to