Five Link-Building Principles that Attorneys Can Live By

Link building can be a double-edged sword when it comes to search engine optimization: linking with relevant, popular, and diverse sites can cause your online rankings and traffic to soar, while making poor link choices or attempting mass link exchanges could do significant damages to your website's rank and reputation.

Below, read five central principles regarding link building that will help you connect your site successfully and avoid common pitfalls.

• Go organic. An organic incoming link is simply a link that you don't ask for or pay for. They are free, provide great traffic, and can improve your search engine rankings. Get organic links by providing unique content, breaking news, and adding useful videos to your site.

• Remember that you are judged by who your friends are. You don't want your links to come from just anywhere - and you especially do not want to become associated with adult websites, gambling websites, or spam websites. Build linking relationships with other websites in your industry, and all the better if these websites are also filled with great content and have a good reputation in your field.

• Beware directories. There are a number of different types of directories on the web that may agree to list links to your site in certain circumstances (or for money). These are usually low-quality links, and getting a large number of suspicious links in a short amount of time can raise search engine red flags. Some great directory linking opportunities do exist, but make sure you do your research before investing your time and money.

• Go local. Especially if your law firm is local, do not underestimate the importance of local links, such as from your area's Chamber of Commerce or other relevant organizations. Also ask your local newspaper about online press release publishing or similar opportunities.

• Build partnerships; build links. While it is important not to overdo link exchanges, forming a small group of websites that scratch each other's backs can help your rankings and help establish your name. Just remember that you want to avoid linking to direct competition!

Do you want to learn even more about link building for attorneys and how to improve the ranking and visibility of your lawyer website? Talk to an expert at Foster Web Marketing today for more information.