Guest Post: Link Bait Techniques For Catching The Big Fish

Six tips for trolling for organic internet traffic

Whenever anyone mentions the term “link-bait” one can’t help but envision an SEO (search engine optimization) casting hooks at unsuspecting internet users until one gets hooked in the mouth and violently yanked to a website. However, as an internet writer who worked for a company that specializes in SEO in Vancouver, I know that link bait doesn’t always come from negative intentions from an SEO writer’s point of view. And one doesn’t always have to resort to nasty tricks to covet links.

Link bait is any piece of content written or featured on a website with the specific goal to gain internet traffic to a website. A writer can put together a very useful article that users will enjoy reading and treat virally because it was entertaining.

Here are 6 effective link bait techniques for catching the big fish when it comes to internet traffic:

1. Guest blogging

I’ve done this a lot in the past, especially when I get users commenting on my blogs or asking questions that are out of my area of expertise. That’s when I call in the real experts in the form of guest bloggers (or I feature an interview with a real expert) who can answer the question from a professional viewpoint. Opening your blog to guest posts is not only the perfect way to get valuable links from other expert sources (since the author of the guest post will almost always link back to their post on your site); it’s also a great way to show your readers that you know where to find the information they want.

2. Infographics

If you haven’t seen the viral infographics that have literally taken over Facebook and Twitter posts lately then you must be off the grid. People love infographics because they visualize information in a short, sweet, fun, and engaging way that can be easily shared—meaning they drive an amazing amount of links to websites!

3. Giveaways

People love freebies! It doesn’t matter what it is—as long as it’s free! So have some Ts made up with your site name and logo, give readers a promo code to purchase goods, collect goody bags or free products to give away c/o sponsors, or give away a free software trial and you will get the attention you want and draw new users to your website.

4. Top XX Lists

This works—after all, you’re reading this one aren’t you? Ha! Top XX lists are a hit with online readers because they are quick to read, easy to share, and you can infuse some humor to get them moving virally over social networks.

5. Video

Watching an entertaining video takes little time at work and it’s a nice break during the work day. Plus, people share them like wild fire—especially humorous or how-to style videos (if the advice is practical).

6. Reader polls and quizzes

People liked to share their opinion (if you don’t believe me, just look at the self-proclaimed expert bloggers out there). So tap into your audience’s interests and create a quick quiz or poll for them to share their opinion on what color is hot for spring or what Harry Potter character they are most like. People are drawn to quiz and poll-like tools because in a society that determines so much for them—they simply want to be asked what they really think.

Author Bio:
Caeden M MacGregor is a staff writer for SEO in Vancouver who specializes in blogging on viral marketing, social media, and internet marketing tips and techniques. Caeden has written for numerous blogs in a variety of fields ranging from software to fitness, and from gourmet food to travel.

Are you interested in guest posting? Email alyssa_ast@yahoo.com for more details!