M) Topic directories.
Almost every keyword sector has an authority hub on it's topic.
Go submit within the guidelines.
N) Links
Look around your keyword sector in Googles version of the ODP.
(this is best done AFTER getting an odp listing - or two). Find
sites that have links pages or freely exchange links. Simply request
a swap. Put a page of on topic, in context links up your self
as a collection spot.
Don't freak if you can't get people to swap links - move on. Try
to swap links with one fresh site a day. A simple personal email
is enough. Stay low key about it and don't worry if site Z won't
link with you - they will - eventually they will.
O) Content.
One page of quality content per day. Timely, topical articles
are always the best. Try to stay away from to much "bloggin"
type personal stuff and look more for "article" topics
that a general audience will like. Hone your writing skills and
read up on the right style of "web speak" that tends
to work with the fast and furious web crowd.
Lots of text breaks - short sentences - lots of dashes - something
that reads quickly.
Most web users don't actually read, they scan. This is why it
is so important to keep low key pages today. People see a huge
overblown page by random, and a portion of them will hit the back
button before trying to decipher it. They've got better things
to do that waste 15 seconds (a stretch) at understanding your
whiz bang flash menu system. Because some big support site can
run flashed out motorhead pages, that is no indication that you
can. You don't have the pull factor they do.
Use headers, and bold standout text liberally on your pages as
logical separators. I call them scanner stoppers where the eye
will logically come to rest on the page.
P) Gimmicks.
Stay far away from any "fades of the day" or anything
that appears spammy, unethical, or tricky. Plant yourself firmly
on the high ground in the middle of the road.
Q) Link backs
When YOU receive requests for links, check the site out before
linking back with them. Check them through Google and their pr
value. Look for directory listings. Don't link back to junk just
because they asked. Make sure it is a site similar to yours and
on topic.
R) Rounding out the offerings:
Use options such as Email-a-friend, forums, and mailing lists
to round out your sites offerings. Hit the top forums in your
market and read, read, read until your eyes hurt you read so much.
Stay away from "affiliate fades" that insert content
on to your site.
S) Beware of Flyer and Brochure Syndrome
If you have an ecom site or online version of bricks and mortar,
be careful not to turn your site into a brochure. These don't
work at all. Think about what people want. They aren't coming
to your site to view "your content", they are coming
to your site looking for "their content". Talk as little
about your products and yourself as possible in articles (raise
eyebrows...yes, I know).
T) Build one page of content per day.
Head back to the Overture suggestion tool to get ideas for fresh
pages.
