How to Increase Page Views Through Backlinks

So you had this great idea for an article, blog, etc. You put it online, polished it, and then...no one saw it. What gives? You need to increase your page views, and search engine optimization is the secret to doing that. Let's keep it simple - what are backlinks, how do they relate to SEO, and how are they going to solve your page view problem?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   Before you go backlink crazy as most of the internet would advise you, let's set the record straight. Backlinks are simply links (on other sites) that link to YOUR site. You have an eHow article. Fred's blog has a link to your eHow article. Your eHow article now has a "backlink". These links help your search engine optimization - if you've got the right backlinks, your page shows up higher in search results and more people visit it. Unfortunately, it's not quite as easy as flying around the web and putting links all over the place.

2. 
    

   The easiest way to get started is with social networking. Every good search engine optimization toolkit includes Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and a few bookmarking sites (like Delicious or Yahoo Bookmarks). If you're not a member of those communities, go sign up. Post a backlink on your profile. When you make a new piece of content (blog post, eHow article, etc) talk about it on those sites. Don't simply post the link - write a little about it. What is it, and why should people care?

3. 
    

   Don't forget about the rest of the internet. Post your content to other popular sites. Search engine optimization is complicated - simply spamming your link everywhere isn't going to help you. Google and others use a complicated algorithm to find out which content is the most valuable. You don't have to understand the intricacies to take advantage of the system; simply post your URL on popular sites. Digg, Reddit, Yahoo Answers, even Flickr! Sites that require more than just a URL and title are generally more helpful. Sites related to your topic are the top priority. Seriously, quality write-ups over quantity of links.

4. 
    

   Use a popular blogging service like Blogger or Wordpress to talk about your content. Think of it as a companion blog. Post new entries about a series of articles you just put up or a new feature on your website. Talk about the content and give a link. You can also use it to talk about other interesting (related) content you've seen. This will make your blog more impressive in regards to search engine optimization. The links on it will be worth more weight.

5. 
    

   Finally, make valuable content. A good search engine optimization strategy is wonderful, but this whole thing should be pretty organic. If you're a good writer, people will talk about your content. After you start getting the word out, it should eventually spread on its own. Link to other related content! Writers often return the favor. Most importantly, spend time making sure what you're promoting is worth looking at.

Tips & Warnings

• Backlinks on top (and RELATED!) sites are much better for search engine optimization than just having a ton of links all over the place.
• When you post your content on sites, talk about it using related keywords. Think about what someone would type into a search if they wanted to find your page. Try posting a rhetorical question within your promotional blurbs.
• Look for a niche! Search engine optimization is easier if your competition is low. Try searching your subject using different keywords to see what isn't being talked about a whole lot. Instead of just posting about Item X, talk about the Cheapest Item X or Making Item X Go the Fastest.

[popintervention]

on 7/4/2009 Thanks. This newbie didn't know what a backlink was.

[redirwin]

on 6/30/2009 Thanks 1How! I knew backlinks were king, but I never had a good grasp on how (and how not!) to use them. Once again, a great article with some solid advice.

[DragonLilly]

on 6/24/2009 Great article. Good information we all need to know! Thanks :)

[boatst]

on 6/23/2009 Thanks for article. great info.

[joanhaines]

on 6/23/2009 Thank you for the excellent explanation of backlinks. I have some actionable steps to follow now.