Mar 1, 2008

The Power of Link Baiting



Link baiting is a very powerful technique a lot of people talk about over the internet. There are plenty of debates on how to use it and what it is being used for. A lot of so called gurus claimed to have used them in the past but I'll bet you that maybe 10% of them or less are actually successful in what they preach or know.

I have to say it first and foremost that link bait is something that I've used only a hand full of times, but from my studies I've found that they have a profound impact in helping and boosting a blog's popularity including traffic.

From my own experiments, I have found that writing against usually a mainstream view or a mainstream figure to be the most effective way in link baiting. Usually the author advocating an opposite view shows up first at your blog and with it also bringing in their supporters. Now the key here is to have a well constructed argument from your end. With a well constructed argument and a well thought out reasoning can a lot of times swayed the visitors that were going against you to be for you. On top of it, let's say that even if they all disagree with you now you got the attention of many others onto your website and blogs that links to you for the negative purpose of publicizing how wrong you are. For the purpose of link baiting, this would be considered a success. Although it may have a short term negative impact on your website or blog due to your opinion differences, but because of the links that's already in place with all these sites or blogs the benefits are huge. Most of it coming from indirect traffic, mostly visitors of their blog going onto yours. The traffic you'll receive can be exponential.

Now, I don't think link baiting is exactly ethical but the idea is to make sure that some type of buzz is being created for others to know and that your site or blog gets the attention of free press as a result others talking about it; it does exactly that. One precautionary measure that I would advice from my experience is to do some research before you jump into a heated debate. Without valid points to combat accusations from your opponents, you might just dig yourself into a rut. However, by defending yourself successfully would promote your reputation positively and the respects from the original advocates from the other side. It will give you a long lasting effect in traffic boost and buzz from time to time. And as we all know, traffic is the source of income in making money online and I wish the best success with your own results. -Swapw


21 comments:

Anonymous said...

I actually hadn't heard about this before. I'll give it a try... maybe on this post right here.

UncleBob said...

Dude you seem to be a great fan of John Chow. I have done a check on his page range using with http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details/johnchow.com and http://www.seochat.com/?go=1&option=com_seotools&tool=9&url=www.johnchow.com&dcrange=0&imageverify=g6muh&timehsh=453134734f43453d&submit=Check

Why in your opinion is so successful in generating traffic compare with say swapw?

Is it because of the sitename, frequency of his articles, etc? I notice that he is often off the subject. Maybe it is a good thing to get people entertain. What do you think?

P.S. www.robertlam18.blogspot.com

I have just started a blog since reading your stuff. My wife is sick with you voice now :). But I like video because I am lazy. My site is a bit rough but it has some cool widget features. Glad to hear what you think to improve.

UncleBob said...

Dude you haven't post for nearly a month now.

Get someone to write another for you.

Anonymous said...

To make money online is a large percentage of today’s population goal in the recession that is upon us. Small business owners and most major companies are looking to make money online too. With webhosting ranging from 6.95 to 20 dollars per month start up cost and monthly fees are far less than running a brick and mortar business.

Anonymous said...

Hey Henry,
Its funny to see you getting in on making money online. I have been doing affiliate marketing for a year now and am kicking ass. Just bought a house too and got married.

Buddy if you want to be serious as an internet entrepreneur, you need to get your own hosted site and at least get your own domain.

Anonymous said...

I've heard about link baiting before but never understand and managed to do it. Btw, it's a great post, mate. Really inspiring.

Anonymous said...

If im in the situation of the owner of this blog. I dont know how to post this kind of topic. he has a nice idea.

Anonymous said...

Wow, your pretty young! How old are you dude?

I can't imagine where you'll be at a couple of years from now, you'll probably own amazon.com or youtube or something! Keep up the good work man :-)

Paul

Anonymous said...

Hi Swapw,

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! I'm always looking for ways to improve myself and I'm glad to have found your blog. Thank you for sharing with us.

Cheers,
Roy

Anonymous said...

I am very admire with your success.Keep it up dude.

Anonymous said...

good post.... link baiting is really a tough one... its hard to get people to link to your post like that unless the information is really high quality, offers the reader something, or is posted on a high traffic authority site!

Anonymous said...

I came across this website while searching blogs, and my first time I read something called link baiting ;(
I really prefer the traditional way rather than these techniques that may influence badly on your website ranking

Anonymous said...

Great post. This is a technique I will be exploring. Thanks much.

Anonymous said...

Not bad. I did an analysis of your site. It looks like you are ranked number 3 on the first page of google for "making money smart". This is pretty good out of 12,500,000 pages on Google. Imagine how you would be doing if you would have worked the keyword make money or how to make money online. You would be raking in the organic traffic.

Anonymous said...

Is your blog really worth $48,550.44 or did you just edit the HTML that was provided to you?

Anonymous said...

I came across link baiting a while ago, but never put it into actual use. You have just inspired me to do so.

Anonymous said...

As far as i suggest Your Web site acts a great role in providing information to targeted visitors. I recognize or rated it as excellent.

Eyden said...

Hey Swap.
Are you okay man? I haven't seen any new updates in awhile. I love your work.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for an excellent article that helped me to on the way, I am pleased for the strive in studying as well as penning this blogging site

Anonymous said...

Great written piece with really useful tips. Appreciation for getting this together.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for expressing this particular good post with a decent matter, so much fantastic skill you possess.