Hey.

Is that a great way to start an email?

It could be.

But would you prefer it if it said:

Hey << Test First Name >>!

Probably.

And that’s a huge factor when you’re link building for your website.

The other day I got a random message from someone on Instagram.

They wanted to take a username I own (for a separate web project) and use it.

Their words were along the lines of “I want to use your username if possible and I will put it to good and regular use”.

I won’t mention their username but here’s the problems I see with this message:

1. They didn’t introduce themselves at all.

2. They sent this anonymously from a profile they manage with 205,000 followers.

3. They didn’t offer anything in return.

What does this have to do with building links for a website?

EVERYTHING.

When you ask someone for a link, you clearly want something from them to help further your agenda.

The other person can either give you what you want or they can decline.

And the terms of this can be negotiated.

But it all comes down to how you make that first move for that link.

Let’s go back to my Instagram example.

This person didn’t bother to build rapport. They sent me an anonymous message without introducing themselves or giving me some context.

I have no idea who this person is, where they’re from or what their deal is.

Literally no idea.

So I’ve already got my walls up.

Next, they ask to use my account (as if it’s like borrowing a pen) and they say they’ll put it to good use.

This person is trippin’.

Some anon is asking to take something I own without putting respect on my name?

Good luck!

When you’re going about asking for a link to your website from another website, don’t do what this person did.

Yes, you’re more often than not going to be met with rejection and it may even hurt. (Some webmasters are terse!).

But if you do the opposite of this Instagram message, you’ll DRASTICALLY improve your chances of success.

I know this because I built links with one of Australia’s most respected names in SEO, Dejan Petrovic back in Brisbane and he’s a king when it comes to this. So it’s safe to say I’ve learnt from the best.

This is what you have to do to improve your link acquisition success rate:

– Be sincere and genuine.
— Use your real name and don’t be afraid to say where you’re from.
— Establish rapport and try to build a relationship.

I’m literally asking you to be a human being.

And realise you’re talking to another human being.

Don’t treat this like this is a transaction with an ATM.

Link building is about the human connection in ways people fail to realise.

Don’t be an anon sending random messages without context to webmasters.

Trust me, there’s so many of those floating around, it’s giving the Internet a migraine.

Of course, there’s a whole lot more to success with link building but this is a pretty good place to start.

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What techniques have worked for you when it comes to link building? Get in touch and I’ll feature you in a future blog post. I believe this is one area we can always be learning more about.

Onward, to your link building success!