The hyperlink is still the lifeblood of the Web. When you see some interesting content on the Web, chances are you’re going to pass the link on to others you think will enjoy it as much as you. And passing it on can be done these days via e-mail, instant message, blog, social site, e-book, and so on. It’s how search engines guide us to content we want or need when we type a certain word or phrase into them. It’s also why businesses spend a great deal of time and money attempting to get links to their site at the top of search results pages.
But all links are not created equal. A link from a highly respected site could improve your site’s credibility, but might not drive as much quality traffic as a link from a lesser known blog site. Or a link on a page with a high number of other links may diminish the importance of your link. So it’s important to figure out a way to increase the number of links that will drive worthy traffic your way. Here are a few easy ways that can help you build productive links:
- Create Good Content
Nothing drives interest more than interesting content. There’s a ton of content on the Web, and it’s growing exponentially as tools make it easier and faster to pump it out. But that doesn’t mean it’s any good. There’s probably more junk on the Web than in the average person’s inbox, which is truly saying something. So it’s important to focus on creating compelling, captivating content because it will really rise to the top–even on the Web. This also applies to video, audio, and other creative forms in addition to traditional HTML, Portable Document Format (PDF), and PowerPoint. - Choose Names and Tags Carefully
Even before you write a blog post, spend some time coming up with a title that will make people want to at least read the first paragraph. The importance of a good title can’t be overstated because it might be the only thing people see before making a decision to check it out. And if the title doesn’t pique their interest, the chances of them reading any further are diminished–which in turn means that they certainly won’t pass the link around, boosting your Web traffic. In addition to coming up with a thought-provoking title, take time to tag it with appropriate keywords. This also increases the likelihood of reaching the right audience online. - Link to Respectable Sites
When someone links to your site it’s like they are vouching for you. They are putting their hard earned credibility on the line for you just with the simple act of adding that link. And you probably have a few ideas of who you’d love to have link to you, because you may have learned something from them by reading their blog or using their product. Why not link to the sites that you respect and appreciate?Pages: 1 2
This is great. Provides effective solutions.
Great information. I’m definitely going to check out Grasshopper. I wanted a phone system that would allow me to have an 800 number and make a small business look big. Awesome information. Thanks
Great information.
This is great information. It is so easy to set yourself up now days. It doesn’t need to take a fortune or tons of time to get going and get going strong.
Good information..
Awesome, I got the information, now i have some work to do to improve!
Thanks
Phone, computer and online presence, very important. Thanks for these very useful information.
I was looking for a website like basecamp! This is great!
I like the idea of grasshopper.com. A phone and a computer is your life line in business.
Top Notch information! I took notes, so that I could research more. Thanks!!
Great information! Thanks for the tips on setting up, as I’m starting another company this year!
GREAT TIPS!!! Particularly relevant for today’s digital age!
Veronica
Great Article!!! Happy Tuesday Folks!!
Intelligent and savvy businessman with excellent advice! Thanks James!!
Good information ! Especially about hiring a web designer instead of trying the do-it yourself websites.
The SBU tips have been priceless. I love the simple approach of the advisors for what can seem like monumental task. The steps are measures we can start applying today. I am headed over to grasshopper.com now
Great ideas!
Thank you so much for the information. There’s a lot of technology available that I didn’t know anything about but would be very helpful for my business. I like iMeet.
I loved the information given today! I am learning so much through this Small Business University!
Great information! especially for people who aren’t tech savvy
I love the great tips! overwhelming but so needed!
Base Camp seems like a really neat tool for small businesses. Great tips. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! Lots of great information – thanks!!
Another great lesson
Thank you for your comments. There are lots of companies which sell domains for a cheaper price plus they have more functions if it is hosted in their servers. I like bluehost.com
the Basecamp tool is sorely needed for Small business owner, for organization and time management when you’re predominantly the staff.
Thank you for the great tips, I took notes.
great tips
Wow! I feel like Rip Van Winkle….Thanks for the wake-up, great ideas and info.
wow! very insightful and informative. this gives consolidated information in one place! great to know….this provides what I’ll need in just a few strokes of a keypad! thanks!
thanks for the tips, grasshopper sounds like a great investment
Awesome tips! Thank you Mr. James!!
I just became familiar with Basecamp recently at my job. I am also going to check out grasshopper.com as well. I am learning so much here at the small business university, thank you Black Enterprise!
Now that was news I could use. I had not heard of either of these online services, but I will definitely start using them.
Great lesson,great information,ready to go take on the world.
Great, Thank you
These are some really good tools. Thank you!
I love basecamp!
Love this…great info and I have actually used some of these tools
So do you recommend iMeet to replace go to meeting?
I am looking for more affordable and still dependable platform to host webinars.
Send replies to elainejackson999@gmail:disqus.com
http://www.holisticPMC.com
Can’t wait to try some of these out…Thanks for the tips.
Wow! Grasshopper, imeet. Love it, never herd of them. Good thinhg I’m taking this course.
Absolutely agree.. Never heard of them either. Great information!!
Great advice
Great advice..
I was thinking to getting an additional phone, so glad that I found out about Grasshopper!
Basecamp is really efficient. Grasshopper sounds like a winner. Should have known that someone created a site like this already. Thanks for the advice.
This was awesome! I have the computer and the website. The phone was the hinky part of my marketing strategy. Thanks for this one!
angela
So helpful was this workshop! Thanks more than you know.
One thing I notice, is when people call themselves opening up for business, they use gmail as an email source and Vista Print for cards. To me, this says, “YOU ARE NOT REALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS or are NOT SERIOUS ABOUT IT! You have not put any finances into start up capital (free GENERIC {might I add} cards, free email) If you are using free e-mail, probably means you also do not have a website set up, which as the instructor reiterated, a web-site says you are open and serious to take on new customers. Godaddy offers e-mail service along with web hosting for a very economical price (that is IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS) Regarding a phone answering service, some people may take the same stance as I take about e-mail and the cards, I use a google voice to cut down on monthly overhead expenditures. But from what I learned from this course, at $10 a month, $120 a year, which I spend more on dinner for two, more than once or twice a year, to give my business a more professional image, I’ll be switching really soon. I’ll keep my google voice number open for a year or so just in case someone whom I’ve given out 400 to 500 business cards to decides to call me for services. But, Vista Print, Gmail – (which I do have a gmail address, which includes my professional credential, not my business name) and its more for social/professional (At my age and professional image I’d like to project,I can’t have an e-mail address that says datdogESQ@gmail.com) – are a CHEAP, CHURLISH WAYS TO SAY I’M A SERIOUS ENTREPRENEUR. And any CFO will tell you, Working Capital of your business is driven by expenditures/liabilities/payables high, receivables low. In other words, you have to purchase something (Cost Of Good Sold) to sell, and hopefully you can purchase it on credit so that by the time you sell it, is the same time you’ll need to turn around and pay the creditor off, plus have a profit gross margin left over. In short, there is not way around it, you need to spend a little bread to make bread. When it comes to IMAGE and BRANDING and ADVERTISING, YOU NEED TO SPEND AS MUCH AS FEASIBLY POSSIBLE! Vista Print and Gmail DOES NOTHING FOR YOUR BRAND PROMOTIONS, but says you have a HOPE and a PRAYER that this idea, which you think is so brilliant WILL MAKE YOU MONEY SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPEND ANY OF YOUR OWN!
I have gmail but i paid a little to have my company name as my email that has: @companyname .com address not the standard: @gmail.com is that okay Mikey Walker? =) be honest
There are some states contributing to the economic development of new and small businesses by offering free website services through Intuit; you would have to pay for upgrade services; but it is a great deal!!!!
I totally disagree that using vistaprint means you are not serious about your business. It’s a great way to start promoting your business on a budget. Unfortunately everyone does not have the capital to just spend spend spend at the start. I do believe that you should upload your own logo so that your card is not generic and doesn’t look like another business. There are highly successful businesses out here that started out with vistaprint cards (and may still be using them) and/or who have had a gmail email address. Let’s limit the condescending advice out of this workshop and leave the positive advice to the experts. I wish you must success in your business endeavors! I hope this message finds you doing well.
Good Day! I agree with you about it being “a great way to start promoting your business on a budget” as this is what some of us have to do due to a lack of funding for startup entrepreneurs (but that’s another conversation.
I’m thinking he meant the free VistaPrint cards with their advertisement on the back of your free card. I made the mistake of not paying the $1.99 to take it off. I just finished up a business planning class at the Urban League (a great class I might add), and they had experts as facilitators. They made the very same argument as Mr. Walker about the free business cards, email (your biz name @gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc.). One of the facilitators works in government contracting, and she says they won’t even look at you with this type of setup because they don’t consider you a serious business. Image is everything, even when we have to fake it to make it.
Great points from all.
Peace & Blessings Everyone!
Great reply Brandi. However, in my opinion, I believe the poster was talking more about using the free business cards and not paying a little bit more to not have Vista Print on the back. To me, it does seem a little bit unprofessional and first impressions are everything in today’s society. For me, I would hesitate to do business with someone who uses the free cards. It’s all in the details and how you want to be perceived. Spend a few extra dollars and upgrade.
Develop a web domain your’e letting people know you’re in business…..
I really like the advice given in this video. I’m definitely looking into Grasshopper – great solution, sound advice. Keep it coming!
great, you make me think in other subjects. I would like to know why emails send to smuinfo@blackenterprise.com are rejected?
Great session. Eager to see the next.
Great info!!
Wow! Another problem has been resolved and I know how to work efficiently with business partner out-of-state. Thank you so much.
WHAT IS GRASSHOPPER? MY BUSINESS IS It’s Not Complicated Tutoring http://www.inctutoring.com and I’d like to do another change with maybe a phone service.
Great Information Mr. Andrews!
THIS WAS MY FAVORITE THUS FAR! I love knowing those little tips that can help you market, expand and present in the best light. This was great info
Wow. All I can say.
Thank you I didn’t know about grasshopper now that I know I like it
Like the info I am getting thanks BE
very use able tips for small business.
I learned some good stuff!
Amazing Tips! Thank James for the encouraging boost!!
Disappointed. I thought he would include technology (software) that can improve small business efficiencies under topics such as record keeping, inventory management and accounting services. This was too basic.
I agree with much stated. As a consumer when I see someone do not invest in their business, my attitude become why should I invest with them. As a business owner, I also strive to remember I have to sell me first then my product/service. So, its worth it to me to invest a little more into what I believe in
I use Evoice for my business phone. Very good company and very good service. Unless I have an actual office, I will never get a landline for a business phone.
Great information!
Grasshopper sounds like a pretty cool service. I’m going to save that information for when my company is at that level. I set up a social network for project management and I use Google Apps for document collaboration.
Thanks for the brief version of the technology basics, must haves and suggestions.
After listening to this session I realize I am on track w/upgrading my hardware and the website.
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