Link building is one of the key elements to Search Engine Optimization.  The more reputable sites you can get to refer people to your site, the better your search engine results will be.  You will usually need a well known and positive reputation in order to garner such links, but there are some small steps you can take on your own to get the ball rolling.

There You Are!

I don’t know about you, but when I first decide where I want to go shopping, one of the first questions I ask myself is, “what’s near me?”  I’d be willing to bet that your potential customers ask themselves the same.  And the internet gives us that information.  I can find nearby businesses through Google Places, Yahoo! Local, Bing Local Listings, CitySearch, Yelp!, or YellowPages.com, but only if they’ve listed themselves.

Make sure you can be found.  List yourself on all six.

It’s Not A Review, It’s Publicity

Widely read review sites like Yelp!, Epinions, ResellerRatings.com, and ConsummerSearch.com are viewed as reputable by the major search engines, and allow you to include a link to your own website once you claim your business profile.

If you have any hang-ups about bad reviews, it’s time to get over them.  According to Google Trends the number of people looking for good reviews outnumber those looking for bad reviews 7 to 2.  Besides, the lines between maps, directories, and review are constantly blurring.  Even the Yellow Pages accompany listings with ratings nowadays.

Unless you intend to close shop, you should be prepared to receive online reviews.  Better by far to take a moment so that would-be reviewers can find you (and your business).

Linked In Is The New Business Card

Social media is replacing the older traditions of business and calling cards.  If you want business contacts to remember your details, make sure you’re on their Social Media of choice.  At the very least that means maintaining Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn profiles.  Depending on what industry you‘re in, there may be other relevant social media sites as well.

Now ask yourself, would your business card be complete without an address or telephone number?  Then don’t build a social media profile without a link to your website or e-mail address.

The Future is Calling

Some analysts are already predicting the advent of a “Social Media Killer.”  However, they have no idea what it will look like or when it will appear.  But just as Social Media didn’t kill the business website, neither will the invention to be named later.  Include a link back to your existing website and you will be set for whatever comes.