OLO

Looks like two eyes and a nose, doesn’t it?

But it’s not (at least, not in this instance).

And no it’s not me trying to coin a new acronym to be cool with the kids, LOLOLOL.

This is something we coined at Dejan SEO a decade ago when we were taking on new clients.

It formed the basis for our link building efforts and has naturally evolved with time.

BUT enough small talk.

Let’s get down to it.

OLO stands for:

Obvious
Link
Opportunities

CLEVER, right?

It came about back in 2009 when we realised there were wayyy too many OBVIOUS link opps. for clients that were simply being missed.

And when you’re being judged on how quickly you get things done, TIMING is everything.

Enter the OLO list.

It was the foundation of every on-boarding meeting with clients and it was how we snapped up quick wins.

OR…
Snagged some low hanging fruit (*CRINGE*).

We used to send the list to clients to fill out.

But CLIENTS BE LAZY.

So we ticked them off the list while on a phone call to save time and ensure things got done.

so, WHAT’S AN OBVIOUS LINK?

Well back in 2009, it was simple stuff like getting a mention on their hosting company or web designer’s site.
YES REALLY. I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP.

Back then directories were all the rage too so we’d get clients listed in only the best most relevant directories.

NOFOLLOW WHAT?
Yeah, wasn’t a thing back then.
(comment spam was so hot though).

So many clients would be sponsors and/or exhibitors at events where they’d get a mention online – and all we did was tell clients: ask for a link.

And 9 times out of 10, the event website people COMPLIED without a problem.

Another good one is asking about any charitable work the company was involved in.

A lot of charity websites tend to be linked up with authoritative websites like local councils, bigger charities and even government.

So a link from a juiced up charity site would be great!

Another gutsy ask was when we’d tell business owners to ask their own staff for links.

YEAH.

Some staff ran (non competing, totally legit) side hustles and personal websites with some decent clout. And it was a good idea to ask for links. Not everyone asked for them but it was worth a shot.

Also, remember, back then, we were focused heavily on PageRank so that’s what also guided the process from the start.

It’s also what led to massive link selling schemes and a very heavy handed approach from Google which shut those operations down.

NOW, we’re being told that link acquisition should be organic and we should focus on building great content that attracts links automatically. And that we shouldn’t be paying for links at all in any way shape or form.

That’s cool and all. And it might sound boring. (it is).

But you can still ask for links.

You can still build links.

It’s not actually that big of a problem.

Links are how things come together on the Internet.

You just have to be a whole lot smarter about it.

So even if a link is a nofollow, it doesn’t mean there’s no value whatsoever.

People still click links on websites. YOU still click links on websites, right?

Links are just that – links between pages. And links = traffic.

If you’ve got your ducks in a row, all you need is traffic in order to make the magic happen

Remember this: ALL LINKS = TRAFFIC

So when you look at trying to improve the link profile of a website, think about the most obvious places to get links.

Sometimes it’s right under your nose.

You’ll be surprised with what you come up with if you get down to the granular level.

And never be afraid to ask for a link.

You’ve got nothing to lose.

YOLO, RIGHT?!