The Fresh Twist Newsletter — January 2008 | Issue 32

How to Improve your Search Engine Ranking with Link Building Strategies

By Barbara Zaccone

We often get asked the million dollar question from clients – "How do we get our web site listed on the first page of Google?". I can tell you there is no one silver bullet, but only through a combination of strategies can you get optimal results. One such strategy is Link-Building.

Link-building is the practice of obtaining links from external web sites to your web site. It is further defined as a hyperlink that points to a website without any reciprocal link (i.e. one way link). A one-way link is considered more of a natural link in the eyes of search engines.

The number of hyperlinks that link to your web site is called Link Popularity. Search engines not only look at the number of sites that link to you but the quality and relevancy of those sites that link to you. For example if you are a Meeting and Event Planning company it would make sense for you to write relevant articles for your trade industry publications. Online articles typically include a link to your web site. Other ways to build relevant incoming links include the following:

  • Association and organization online membership directories
  • PRWeb.com is the ideal vehicle to get the word out on your new products/services and the circulation of your press release can provide valuable incoming links to your website. Packages start at $80.00 per release.
  • Trade Directories; many of these directories charge a nominal fee for an annual listing.
  • YouTube listing; Perhaps you have a how-to-video or a brief company video to post on YouTube. Your YouTube video listing will include a link to your web site.
  • Blogs and Forums; By participating in any online communities you can include a link in your posting even if it is just in your signature. Keep in mind that some of these communities discourage blatant commercial driven postings.
  • Linkedin is a business professionals' social networking web site. One of the many benefits of having a Linkedin profile is that your profile can contain links back to your own website. Linkedin allows up to three links per profile.

BZA Launches New Web Site for the LDP Consulting Group

BZA recently launched a new web site for LDP Consulting Group (LDP), headquartered in Lambertville New Jersey, located at http://www.ldpconsulting.com. LDP is one of the largest, fastest growing health benefits consultancies in the State of NJ, serving more school boards than any other insurance broker/consultant.

LDP approached BZA to create a new web site for their company that would serve as a spring board for future marketing materials. We created a compelling visual image for their company that is truly unique and memorable. “We selected the conductor and orchestra image for the home page because we felt it created a collaboration through teamwork message that is synonymous with the way LDP works with their clients”, claims Barbara Zaccone. “This was the first time I had been involved in such a project and BZA proved to be an excellent partner. I worked closely with the designer throughout the process, and our company is extremely pleased with the outcome.” Pete Abitanto, LDP Consulting Group.

We invite you to visit the site - http://www.ldpconsulting.com.

News

Zaccone to Lead Panel of Experts at NJAWBO Event

Barbara Zaccone will be leading a panel of experts at the NJAWBO Annual Procurement event which will be held on February 13th, 2008 at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey. The panel discussion entitled "Savvy Web Marketing to Boost Your Bottom-line" will cover topics such as search engine ranking strategies, pay-per-click campaigns and the use of Web 2.0 tools such as MySpace, YouTube and Blogging. For more information visit http://www.njawbo.org

2008 Governor's Conference for Women

Come see us at the 2008 Governor's Conference for Women to be held March 5th at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The annual event is being hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Division for Women. For more information visit http://www.state.nj.us/dca/2008womenconf