Before we go any further, what is “link popularity”? In very simplistic terms, link popularity refers to the number and quality of the incoming links that are pointing to your site. So, when working on building link popularity, don’t forget those two basic reasons for requesting links. If you use them as recommended in this article, you will have no problems. Which is similar to one way link building. Also, keep in mind that though it isn’t always stated explicitly, we’re always referring to “related” and “important” or “authoritative” sites as our targets.
If the link is particularly important to you, call them personally or write them a letter or send a fax to show them you’re serious. Go to the major search engines. Pre-qualify the people you solicit for reciprocal links. This is also just like trial. Check the link popularity of your competitors, and find out who are linking to them.
Don’t be surprised if they DO link back. But what if it does? What if the search engines check if your site leads back to them? What if they give 1% boost if you do? Would 1% matter if everyone else had 99% relevancy and you got an extra 1%? Hmmm, something to ponder. Link directly to the page you can be found on. Same deal with your friends.
If you are linked to by a directory like Yahoo, LookSmart, or Dmoz you get a boost. I am not a fan of reciprocal links unless they are complimentary. Write a 300-500 word article on a topic of real interest to their target market and submit it to the Webmaster, as well as to other e-zines reaching the same target audience. Actually you win twice! First, because you have a good testimonial for your product/service and second, you’ve increased your link popularity — all with one link! Make sure that the link under the testimonial opens in a new browser window so that you don’t lose that visitor to the linked site.
Contact editors and writers and let them know you are available to be used as a source in exchange for a link and always push for the bio. Sometimes this can be similar to unusual link building to many people. If you have good content on your site, people will want to link to you to provide their visitors useful information.