Google loves editorial links, this is something we focus on most (which granted we have several strategies we use just depends on the client). Generally when were building a clients sites up through the SERP’s we focus on a lot of editorial links and we get them through viral content. If were not pursuing these type of links then we will pursue other type of links such as web directories and similar things to that nature, so in other words using ethical practices to keep Google happy.

Your probably asking your self how can I get some high quality editorial links, and not considerably from spammy sites. Well the trick is easy, but time consuming.

Remember directories? Well if so then always keep in mind you can use them for numerous things for example check out DMOZ, and find relevant sites that are related to what you do and create a list of all these sites preferably ones that you want to link to you. Then take your time out and send a polite e-mail to every webmaster asking them if they will link to you a good way of getting them to link to you is through educational content.

For example if there linking out to a lot of educational type sites that have high valued content then why wouldn’t they want to link to you? I mean it only makes sense speaking you have great content and something that is link worthy. If they have linked to it then you know you have done something right.

Which granted this is a time consuming process, but you can’t beat the quality of the links because they are editorial links and that right there is want you want. If you are very famaliar with link building then you know there is several types of links you can get, but to be honest the best ones to get are editorial links.

You can also use several other web directories such as Aviva Directory, BOTW, and many more. That right there is what you can use directories for also directories are used for many other things which granted people might not search directories like they would with search engines, but people still use them for certain things (contacting people, finding a local business, and etc).

When miming up your list of people to contact make sure you create a excel file therefore you can keep track of who you have e-mailed you don’t want to be known as a spammer, so therefore insert every one into the excel sheet. When you enter them in row by row it will automatically fill your word in on the next row if you’ve already contact that domain and this is an excellent way of keeping track of who you contacted.

Now if your looking for a content writer and your not really a writer you should check out freelance sites, therefore you can find you someone that is highly qualified to create great content for you. Another way of finding good sites to link to you is through the old fashion way such as using link commands such as intitle:, inurl:, and etc.

Building a blog is something that takes time, skill, and patience like I’ve probably mentioned many times on here. The the key factors in building a blog is keeping your readers interested, so in other words keep them coming back. Sometimes that can be a hard thing to do, but then again its not that hard.

Read a few of the tips I have brought up below. Keep in mind though the idea to building a blog is patience, and practice. You have to cycle through the process over, over, and over again until you hit that point then from there on out your blog will act more virally on you because you have a good subscription list built up.

1. Capturing the Mind: Try to capture the readers mind, think creatively. Always try to think of stuff that will spread virally rather its news, contrary, and etc. Honestly I think the best way to capture peoples minds is to write something that is unique, different, and one of a kind. Which granted News is great and everything, but sometimes the user can get wore out from news unless its something that blows there mind away like something out of the ordinary.
2. Writers Perception and Imaging: Use images to set your writing off. For example say your writing something up about viral marketing why not use images around that post that is relevant to what your saying. Little things like this can make the brain react a bit different, therefore making the blog look more “creative” and the reader will fill more attached to it.
3. Create Conversations: Creating conversations through out your blog can be a trick sometimes, but practice makes perfect. You can easily use related forums in your industry to create conversations through your blog. Just a way to drive traffic from other sites like forums, blogs, and general sites. Which yes sometimes you will have to communicate and participate in other social related websites, but if you leverage it properly your site will grow and possibly outgrow the sites around you.
4. Tips and Education: Every one loves educational information. Specially if you know what your talking about ;). Anyways think of creative ideas that you can leverage around an educational topic then write about it.

Being creative and unique is what marketing is all about. When you can put a great image into the mind of your blog reader it will keep them coming back for more. Plus when your keeping your readers on the hook your probably obtaining a lot of links therefore this will result in higher search rankings, and of course there on out you can leverage your readers around your products :).

For some odd reason here lately I have been getting a lot of clients asking us if .edu and .gov links are as powerful as what people say they are and to be honest no there not. Which granted don’t take me wrong there not bad links to have at all. The main reason .GOV and .EDU links are so highly looked upon for is because they generally come from old sites that are very established and of course higher page rank.

A lot of people try to sell people on them saying hey its a .gov link yea which is cool its probably not a bad link, but is it worth the price (most of the time you’ll be renting them)? No not really why would you want to rent links out when you can focus on a more organic approach that will make your links last for a lifetime.

Basically when you purchase a .gov or .edu link your renting it its not permanent unless you earned it naturally through content because most of the time thats how links like this are priced.

Your probably asking your self now how could I earn these type of links through content well the process is simple. Create viral content that is relevant to your industry on your site then conduct a search for edu sites then start e-mailing all the webmasters or who ever is in charge of that site. Ask them politely if they will link to your content you never know they might find it interesting and give you some link love.

Believe me it happens we’ve obtained links like that for client sites in the pass which this is a very time consuming process, but it can work if you work it. There is a lot of people that love to link to great content which granted you might not think the same way, but believe it or not people will link to it, it’s a natural process to some people.

Also don’t expect the 1st person to link to you right off the bat, so in other words after setting there for 2 hours e-mailing and communicating with people don’t just give up and walk away because you’ll never get anywhere. If your someone that don’t like to do this type of work or you are not famaliar with it hire an SEO consultant to do it for you.

Conclusion
So in other words try to get links that have a high editorial status, I mean think of it why would you want to pay for it when you can earn it naturally, but there again depends on what your after. Anyways tomorrow I’ll explain to you how to create a list of sites to e-mail and how to leverage your self into getting a link from them for free!