In my last post, I defined anchor text and talked about its importance in SEO. Today, we’ll look at a couple ways to use it effectively.
Research Keywords.
It’s a good idea to do some keyword research so that the keywords you use in your anchor text are good keywords. I’ve written about keyword research before so I won’t belabor the point.
Use the Keywords.
Once you’ve got some quality keywords, start inserting the keywords in your post titles since many webmasters will link using the post title as their anchor text.
If you publish an exceptionally high quality post, contact other bloggers and tell them about your post to increase your chances of getting a link.
If you want to be more intentional, you can find sites that will allow you to choose your own anchor text. I use the following three methods.
1. Submit articles to article directories. Article directories allow you to insert an author box at the end of your article. In the box, you can add links back to your blog with your desired anchor text.
Sadly, most article directories are low quality in regards to SEO and many of them use the nofollow tag on your links, which renders the anchor text ineffective. I usually only submit to Ezine Articles, because it’s by far the highest quality article directory. If you have extra time, Go Articles and Article Dashboard are also quality directories.
2. Guest post. This is similar to the first method. Basically, find a quality blog and send the blogger a guest post. The post has a link back to your blog with your desired anchor text.
This doesn’t always work as some bloggers don’t allow the you to choose the anchor text. Still, it’s worth a try. Also, make sure to insert your link is in the author description not in the main body text. Many bloggers don’t allow links back to your blog in the main body text.
Also, this method works very well if you’re friends with the blogger you’re sending the guest post to, so build friendships with bloggers in your niche and related niche.
3. Buy links. If you’re willing to take on some risk, you can buy links. If you buy a link, 99% of the time you’ll be able to choose the anchor text. Just make sure do to it discreetly since Google can penalize you if they catch you.
This post has gotten longer than I had planned so I’ll close for now, but check back next Sunday for part two, which will have more anchor text tips.
