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Link baiting is one of the best ways to build links, because the links are organic and come from a variety of sources. The idea is to create something that will draw a number of links simply because people are interested. For a more thorough explanation, please take a look at my earlier post on link baiting.

Though a successful link bait may have a great effect, coming up with a good enough topic may be difficult. Here are 10 link bait ideas that you can adapt to your niche, and create a successful link bait.

  1. Write about a news issue. The more popular the topic, the more interested people will exist, but that also means more competition.
  2. Be helpful. Tutorials and guides on almost any topic are often linked to.
  3. Create a list. A list can be about almost any topic. The more items, the better - as long as quality is good.
  4. Create a free tool. In could be a simple form based online app, or a piece of software.
  5. Share your images. Free art and images get used by many, and by using a creative commons license you can require a backlink.
  6. Top 100. Compile a list of top resources on something. If you link out to other websites, they might link back too.
  7. Share your code. The same applies to source code.
  8. Be funny. Jokes and humor - especially in the form of video content - gets a ton of links. If it’s funny.
  9. Polarize. If you write a thought provoking article, you may get links from both those in favor and those who oppose.
  10. Improve others’ work. Many themes and plugins are free software. Modify and create a better version of a popular one.

After you’ve picked your topic, and written your piece, don’t forget to promote it. Even a great link bait idea may lead to nothing, if no one hears about it. The best place to promote link baits is social media.

by Sutocu | December 11, 2007

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2007-12-12 10:52:58

All good ideas Sutocu, but the last paragraph of this post is the critical one - especially for newer or smaller blogs. Don’t be shy, promote yourself. Let people know you are there…

Comment by Sutocu
2007-12-12 12:15:51

Thanks Brett,

That’s actually where many newer bloggers fail. If you don’t promote your work, you’ll need a miracle to break through with it.

 
 
Comment by Missy
2007-12-13 04:44:14

I would love to get a post of mine on the front page of Digg. The day that i do, i will let the world know. It sure is NOT as easy as some make it out to be. I’m working on creating content that makes it there, or goes vrial.

I like your ideas, thanxs Sutocu.

 
2007-12-13 13:50:39

These are excellent points that many people may just simply overlook or forget about from time to time - thanks!

 
2007-12-17 13:38:58

[…] than a first time visitor from Google. For that they will visit your website. If you write a great link bait article, it is again the RSS subscribers that are most likely to link back to it, or promote it on social […]

 
2007-12-21 21:27:49

[…] presents 10 Link Bait Ideas posted at Your Website […]

 
Comment by Buy Website
2007-12-25 07:23:06

That was a very interesting and helpful post. Thanks for providing that information, it will be of use to me.

 
Comment by free ipod classic
2007-12-28 00:19:12

thanks for the ideas. i will definitely try them

 
Comment by Roy
2007-12-29 05:54:13

One thing that stood out for me was the humor aspect that was missing.
My website is depressing as I provide help for people who need to go bankrupt.

I’ve just added a new page on my site with my list of really funny animations to cheer people up.

You can view it at http://www.arbiummoney.com/bankruptcy/bankruptcyservices/fun.html

If you like it, please give me a link as this is a non profit organization and the people who we help are very much in need of cheering up.

Thank you all, hope you enjoyed it.

 
Comment by Cufflinks
2007-12-29 19:45:28

Great article — bookmarked it — see it worked ;)

 
2008-01-14 13:04:44

[…] You could even combine several posts into a definitive list on a topic, which would be a great link bait idea. by Sutocu | January 14, […]

 
Comment by Kyle
2008-01-25 21:08:34

What great tips I am glad while surfing I ran into your website. Thank you for the tips.

 
Comment by Mo Raja
2008-04-13 22:48:41

With link baits, I seem to get more and more confused as to which link baiting
method will be best for my site. Iv tried a few ways to obtain organic links but
never worked and I am not sure what will work for my
football credit card
site. Any suggestions or ideas, please post here! Cheers

 
2008-06-22 07:01:50

Thanks for the great tips. I couldn’t agree with you more. I noticed that my articles that give away lists of how to or where to go are in high demand. I love the information on promoting it at social media. I am going to try that with my new articles Answers for Marketing an on line business.

Thanks for this great site, I’ll be back.

 
Comment by Science
2008-06-24 22:35:28

I would think another way is to possibly trying to giveaway something as this would cause people to link in thier masses.

 
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