Once you’ve found out the number of links to your site by using www.linkpopularity.com or another link checker, It’s likely you will want to add quality links to your site. There is software that can do this, but beware of any software or service that promises you a large or automated increase in links. Some of these companies simply create reciprocal links among their clients, regardless of the appropriateness of the links or the content on the sites. The patterns of site reciprocity created by such companies has been identified by the major search engines, and they will discount such efforts in your rankings.

The better approach, from a business as well as a site ranking viewpoint, is to identify, using LinkPopularity again, the companies that link to your competitors, suppliers, research sites that serve your industry, consumer forums, government statistics – anything your site visitor will be interested in. Then see which ones do not link to you. Review these sites to determine what benefit both sites could get from reciprocal links. Then send a request – kind of like a sales letter— to each of these sites, stating why you feel a link would be advantageous to both of you. If they agree, be sure to monitor their links regularly to ensure that your links are still active.

By carefully building a network of links, you will increase the likelihood that your site will rank higher in the search engines. You’ll also build relationships with companies and other sites with potential for future sales and partnership efforts.

Karen Kari's articles and more information on the affiliate business can be found at:

http://www.affiliatebandit.com
http://www.advertisingcellar.com
http://www.billionfreeads.com

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