Common Link Building Mistakes (and how to fix them)
Creating and distributing linkbait is a popular link-building technique. When done correctly, linkbait can build your authority, attract relevant links, and boost your online visibility. Although creating linkbait can boost your online presence, it can also damage your brand if you aren’t careful. Outlined here are some of the most common linkbait mistakes and how to fix them.
Creating linkbait without a promotional plan
Don’t wait till after you’re done creating linkbait to come up with a promotional plan because without a solid strategy in place, there’s a good chance your linkbait will fall flat quickly. Prior to creating linkbait, approach some influential figures in your industry to see what they think about your concept. If people dig the idea and you’re able to secure around five promising links, start working on your linkbait.
Using Misleading headlines
One common mistake that people make when creating headlines for their linkbait is that they create catchy headlines just to grab people’s attention, but the headlines are only loosely related to the topic at hand. Don’t mislead your audience because if your linkbait doesn’t deliver on the promise made in your headline, people will be disappointed and won’t share it. It’s possible to write a compelling headline without lying.
Being Controversial for the sake of being controversial
You can’t deny the fact that controversial content makes good linkbait, but there’s a thin line between compelling, controversial content and empty rants. If you want to create a controversial piece that helps you build your brand, reputation, and authority, you need to make sure your argument is valuable and thought-provoking. Otherwise, your linkbait attempt could end up hurting your brand rather than helping it.
Not understanding the social media landscape
In order for linkbait to spread, it has to do well in social media. So, unless you’re deeply familiar with the social networks where you plan to share your content, consult with an expert. The preferences and behaviors of social media audiences vary widely from one social network to the next. For example, some types of linkbait may do exceptionally well on Twitter, yet fail miserably on Digg. Study the type of content that does well with your audience and then determine which social media networks your audience use the most, so you can create linkbait that’s right on the mark.
Using unreliable hosting
Make sure that your website’s hosting service is reliable, so your server doesn’t crash if your linkbait is successful and your site receives tons of traffic. Remember: all of the effort you put into creating and promoting your linkbait will go down the drain if your server crashes. A good hosting service is well worth the investment.
Creating Irrelevant Linkbait
Whenever you create linkbait, make sure that it’s relevant to your industry and your audience’s needs and interests. A silly video about cats may spread like wildfire and attract a slew of links, but it won’t help you grow your online presence if it isn’t relevant to your business.