10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

The embarrassment of building backlinks and self-promotion

by aussiebrah
8 replies
What's a good way of overcoming the awkward embarrassing feeling I get when promoting links in places such as forums, others' blogs and sites. I feel like I'm just a "spammer" and cringe when I think of people reading my obvious attempts to self promote and thinking "stfu spammer".

I admit I have mental issues and it's probably not normal to feel somewhat embarrassed by link building and marketing my stuff.

Can anyone relate?
#backlinks #building #embarrassment #selfpromotion
  • Profile picture of the author Mr Bill
    Yep, stop spreading links that you're embarrassed about.

    If you believed your links would actually help people then you'd be helping not spamming.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9132752].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author test11223344
    Be helpful, provide people value, give them free content and they will want to check you out. If you just shill out a link or do shameless plugs, people won't respect you or your product.

    It's a lot of work but if you want people to trust you, you have to go around on forums and blogs giving back and helping people, doing writeups and giving away free content. This will allow you to link out to your product or website when it's warranted.

    For example, build up a reputation of being helpful on a forum, get "Thanks" then post a writeup helping people with a link at the end to the source, your blog, which you are selling something. If you have the trust of the users, then there's nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed of since these people want to see what else you're offering.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9132778].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kaleshwarchand
    Post quality content and help people. Make helping people your first priority, forget you even have a link in your sig, and just post as if you did not have the link, then you will always post to help out, because there will not be any other reason to post.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9132847].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author C G
    I think that you are getting this feeling because in your mind backlinking is linked to something wrong.

    Why is that? As long as you are providing helpful content. You shouldn't feel this way.

    Cheers,

    C.G.
    Signature
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9132904].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Jonas Phil VA
    Focus on helping other people out and you won't need to promote your links. People will come to you.
    Signature
    Hire a Filipino virtual assistant and make your business better through outsourcing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9133588].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Schuman
    As long as you provide value in your forum posts and blog comments you are not spamming. What you are doing is known as Internet marketing and getting backlinks is one of the way to drive traffic to your website. I see nothing wrong with that. These are basic techniques we have all learned at one time or another.
    Signature
    Jeff Schuman - SEO Blog Writer For Hire! Buy affordable, SEO, quality, MMO niche blog articles. Fast turnaround.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9134555].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mssmb
    You should not feel embarrassed about building back links and self-promotion. That is part of the business of getting yourself out there and letting people know that you (and what you are promoting) exist. Most of us are here to make money, learn and network.

    There is no shame in making money, because contrary to some people's belief systems, money is neither good or bad. People can choose to do good or bad things with the money that they earn.

    As long as you comply with the TOS of websites and aren't spammy, then there is nothing wrong with with this practice. Some communities don't allow affiliate or self-promotional links, so it is something to be aware of. You should be providing helpful insights and value to the communities that you participate in. Never promote a product or service that you don't have faith and confidence in.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9162521].message }}

Trending Topics