The Biggest Marketers I Know Aren't Backlink Obsessed!

[rmoore]

I do realize it is important to get some backlinks.

I want to get that out of the way before I make my point.

Here is my Major Point...

You Don't Need To Use Every New Backlink Method That Comes Out.

[+] Pick a niche.
[+] Create a site with valuable and helpful content for the end user.
[+] Write 15-20 articles minimum that actually help someone.
[+] Create an even better free report for an opt-in.
[+] ...help the people on your list with more of your best stuff for free.
[+] Mix in the occasional affiliate product that you genuinely found helpful.
[+] Offer your own paid products at some point.

Yes, you will need to build some links to get these 15-20 articles to rank in Google...but you don't need every piece of software or service.

It stresses me out reading all of the complex ways people try to maximize link building.

It really doesn't have to be so complex...or time consuming.

[+] Perhaps submit some stuff to EZA
[+] Maybe pick one of the blog networks -or- SEnuke type of service (you don't need both).

You probably don't need anything else. In fact if you spend too much time doing the linking you will miss out on the more important business building activities.

Just some thoughts after reading through the WF the past week or so.

-Rusty

PS: I do realize that these new tools are kind of fun and addictive. I've been sucked in myself at times.

[tpw]

Good quality content will never let you down, unless it sits on your hard drive under-utilized.

Most of the big guys don't need to worry about content on websites, syndication or otherwise, because they rely on their own mailing lists and the mailing lists of others.

Yet, your point remains valid for most everyone who reads this thread.

[Pragun]

That's true mate.

You needn't go out and grab every backlink building method out on the market. Find out one that works for you, and stick to it.
That's all that you're gonna need anyhow.

[Ian Varnava]

Well, there's something to be said about some people buying every new link-building tool/service that comes out. Once you become big, you don't NEED backlinks, because:

1. You automatically get traffic, whether it's people just talking about your website on their websites/blogs, forums, word of mouth, etc.

2. Due to the effect of the above process, you automatically build back-links, without any effort.

So as some others have said, quality content will never let you down. Sure there are many other ways, but that is definitely one way. If you're offering unique, quality content that makes people stick to their screen until they're done with it... then people WILL start talking about it and you will actually get NATURAL links without buying them.

[Rich Struck]

Now that I think about it, the most successful guy I know doesn't try to get backlinks at all, he lets affiliates do it for him.

[iAmNameLess]

What I have noticed is that the majority of people that are constantly focusing on backlinks, are missing out on traffic. Why are people building profile links? Why are people spamming comments on blogs that are 3 years old? It doesn't bring traffic.

Everything I do brings traffic to my site. If there is something that I have done and it doesn't give me results, I don't do it. I wouldn't be posting on this forum if I didn't get traffic from here, but weekly I get about 100 visits from this site!

I think traffic is key, traffic become recurring traffic with great content! If you build back links, it should be relevant and bring you potential clients or customers.

[tpw]

Originally Posted by Rich Struck

Now that I think about it, the most successful guy I know doesn't try to get backlinks at all, he lets affiliates do it for him.

Exactly. Why buy an army, when you have an all-volunteer force?

[terrapurus]

Agree in principle, but have to have some tongue in cheek fun with this.

[+] Pick a niche.

Okay ... weight loss. That one sounds good to start my IM business off in.

[+] Create a site with valuable and helpful content for the end user.

Okay, gotcha. Write articles telling them to get off their fat lazy ass, exercise more and eat less. Consider it done.

[+] Write 15-20 articles minimum that actually help someone.

Yep, done that. 15 article ready to go.

[+] Create an even better free report for an opt-in.

Okay... more work ... but wrote a report telling them to get off their fat lazy ass, exercise more and eat less.

[+] ...help the people on your list with more of your best stuff for free.

Umm ... got a problem. People gobbled up my report, but after about two weeks they are smashing the spam button and complaining they never heard of me. Some say they I am just clogging their inbox with noise.

[+] Mix in the occasional affiliate product that you genuinely found helpful.

Helpful? I have 10% body fat. I don't actually use this crap. Okay, writing articles on how I use this product to get fit and trim. Hold on, what's this? A letter from the FTC!

[+] Offer your own paid products at some point.

When is some point?

[+] Perhaps submit some stuff to EZA

Okay, submitted 5 articles. Where is my position 1 ranking? You promised me position 1 ranking!!!! It must be a scam!!!!

[joe12joe]

Originally Posted by rmoore

I do realize it is important to get some backlinks.

I want to get that out of the way before I make my point.

Here is my Major Point...

You Don't Need To Use Every New Backlink Method That Comes Out.

[+] Pick a niche.
[+] Create a site with valuable and helpful content for the end user.
[+] Write 15-20 articles minimum that actually help someone.
[+] Create an even better free report for an opt-in.
[+] ...help the people on your list with more of your best stuff for free.
[+] Mix in the occasional affiliate product that you genuinely found helpful.
[+] Offer your own paid products at some point.

Yes, you will need to build some links to get these 15-20 articles to rank in Google...but you don't need every piece of software or service.

It stresses me out reading all of the complex ways people try to maximize link building.

It really doesn't have to be so complex...or time consuming.

[+] Perhaps submit some stuff to EZA
[+] Maybe pick one of the blog networks -or- SEnuke type of service (you don't need both).

You probably don't need anything else. In fact if you spend too much time doing the linking you will miss out on the more important business building activities.

Just some thoughts after reading through the WF the past week or so.

-Rusty

PS: I do realize that these new tools are kind of fun and addictive. I've been sucked in myself at times.

I disagree with you. Article writing is not an only way to get ranked in Google. We have to try other methods as well but we should not spam the websites. For example, if you want to a social bookmarking, you must bookmark your link on 1000 websites, the same getting bookmarked on 1000 sites, your link will marked a spam and it wont give you any benefit.

Therefore, you must try every technique ethically. You may try these methods besides article marketing:

1- Social bookmarking
2- Submitting the feeds to RSS Directories.
3- Web Directory Submission
4- Creating social network pages of your business like facebook, twitter.
5- Video Marketing
6- Blog commenting
7-Press release submission of your business.

[suemax]

I agree - there is no need to be "backlink obsessed" if you are a "big marketer". Those who use backlinking services often, surely, do so because they don't fully understand, and they buy them 'cos they are there for sale, or they buy them 'cos someone pitches them to them! There may not be a business reason for every purchase, or not a valid business reason beyond "it seemed like a good idea at the time"

[rmoore]

You certainly don't need to use every backlink method...but a little diversity is cool if it doesn't take up too much time.

I can get a blog to 1,000 Uniques per day with simply a combo of...

[+] EZA
[+] 1WayLinks

...adding in a couple Squidoo lenses and maybe spending an hour getting some blog comments doesn't hurt either.

I'm not even saying my method is best (although it is consistently effective).

The point is, I don't have to worry about proxies, spam complaints, autoblog commenting, etc.

Some of the things people do just seem to add unneeded stress to their online businesses.

-Rusty

Originally Posted by joe12joe

I disagree with you. Article writing is not an only way to get ranked in Google. We have to try other methods as well but we should not spam the websites. For example, if you want to a social bookmarking, you must bookmark your link on 1000 websites, the same getting bookmarked on 1000 sites, your link will marked a spam and it wont give you any benefit.

Therefore, you must try every technique ethically. You may try these methods besides article marketing:

1- Social bookmarking
2- Submitting the feeds to RSS Directories.
3- Web Directory Submission
4- Creating social network pages of your business like facebook, twitter.
5- Video Marketing
6- Blog commenting
7-Press release submission of your business.

[thebarksmeow]

I think it really depends on what kind of marketer you are. Not judging but a lot of people here are "article marketers/writers". So the mindset is kind of different. So you always here things like "quality content", "Find something you're passionate about", "Create your own products", etc. I used to follow that stuff when I was first learning. Traffic is King imo, not content. I could throw up a crappy landing page with dupe content and if it's getting 2,000 uniques a day I will make money. However, if it's a professional landing page with quality content; I'll make more.

I guess what I'm trying to say is you said that "The Biggest Marketers I Know Aren't Backlink Obsessed!". The reason is because they're probably all Article Marketers/Writers.

[dburk]

Hi Rusty,

While I agree with your sentiment, I think it only fair to point out that your prescribed method, at the level you suggest, will usually only work for keywords with low competition. If you ever want to get into medium or high competition keywords you will need to increase your overall promotional efforts.

Not everyone reading this forum are doing affiliate marketing. For highly competitive keywords affiliate marketing often is not viable. Those same methods will get the job done provided you really scale it up and you should add press releases and various types of advertising to compete for the more lucrative keywords.

I would emphasize that spamming isn't necessary and it can be harmful if you are trying to build a brand. Stick with meritorious link building and other ethical marketing methods. It's the shortcuts that get you into trouble, they usually come with unforeseen costs.

[Sean D Kelly]

I think its true that for high competition keywords you need to go all out. For long tail and others what you suggest should be enough. You sound very exasperated about it all! So often we internet marketers either get ADD and buy up every WSO we can find, or get caught up in obsessions (like backlinks). IMers love the extremes!

[TZ]

And what have you learned?

[rmoore]

Some good points.

Part of the problem too is people trying to juggle too many sites, without building leverage on any one single site.

My advice to newbies is to build your first 1,000 unique visitor per day site, before building a big portfolio of sites.

....an even better strategy is to build a network of sites on different C Class Ip's...maybe 10 different URL's using SEO Hosting <---each points to the central URL.

Each of these sites can support a category on that main site.

Again...the backlink methods don't have to be entirely complex.

-Rusty

[savyeman]

Hi Rusty,

Thanks your post. I really help me the little you talk about. It can feel like the linking building is just not getting anywhere. Your advise was very helpful.

Where can I learn more from you

[stevemarino]

Good topic, rmoore. Google know that people are falling over themselves to get backlinks and so either google will be downgrading the importance of (perhaps certain) backlinks or not paying attention to them at all. Quality content will always win.

[Coyotex]

I've recently joined rmoore's membership site and so far, I'm jazzed about it! Great stuff! (I'm in the fitness niche as well) So far, everything I've read from him is great information, both for business and personal.

I'm also a big mark for this thread, great info rmoore! Keep it up!