Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for your website

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Starting with the first inbound link URL on your list, open up the page and

think about the answers to these yes or no questions:

• Is this site in the same topical community as mine?

• Does the linking page content speak to my target audience?

• Are my target keywords included in the text that links to my site?

• Are my target keywords included elsewhere on the page?

• Does the link work?

• Does the link go to the best landing page choice?

• Is the link up-to-date?

• Is the link flattering, or at least noncritical?

While there are numerous factors that can contribute to the quality of an

inbound link, these are the most important. The more yes answers, the higher-quality

link you have. If there are any no answers, flag this URL with a note of the problem.

Obviously, some problems (like a link being from an irrelevant website) can’t be fixed.

And if a link is coming from inside a forum post, it’s good to know about, but there’s

no point trying to modify it. But others, especially links that don’t work, are red flags

that need to be addressed.

Get into the habit of asking these questions anytime you review a website and it

will serve you throughout your campaign—especially later this week when you are

looking for new links.

Tuesday: Submit to Directories

Ah, directories…the dinosaurs of the SEO era. Once upon a time, getting into human-

edited directories was one of the most important elements of an SEO campaign. Nowa-

days, directory listings have fallen out of prominence. But they represent a chance to

describe your site in your own well-researched, well-targeted words, and that’s good

for your site (and for your inner control freak!). Today, you’ll learn about human-

edited directories, discover the ones in your niche, and decide whether they’re worth

your time and energy.

Think of a directory listing as just another inbound link with a slightly different

link request process (usually there’s a submittal form to fill out, and specific editorial

Now:

Make a note of any trouble spots in the Notes column of your Link Tracking Worksheet.

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