As you might or might not know, backlinks play a huge role in google's pagerank algorithm. Any incoming links your site with a PR (page rank) of 3 or higher, will help your overall page ranking. Although links with a PR of 3 or lower are still ok, I have a tendency to notice that higher rankings play a bigger role. Below I will discuss my five favorite tricks to get people to link to your page.

1. Reciprocal links
Adding a line of text on your links page asking to exchange links with you is probably the easiest way to achieving a higher page rank. If your visitor understands internet marketing, he/she will definitely see the benefits of exchanging links with your site (especially if it is reputable). You can even try to find other sites (related to yours) that partake in this practice by typing in 'reciprocal links' into google. For instance, if you are in the travel industry, try typing in 'travel reciprocal links', or 'travel link exchange'.

2. Directories
Getting listed in as many directories as you can is a big help as well. The directory google uses is the Open Directory (DMOZ). You should submit your site to DMOZ as soon as possible because it takes up to 6 months sometimes to get listed. This will also help you come up higher in google's SERP's (search engine results pages) for your key phrase. To find a bunch of directories, type 'add url' in google and start adding your website URL to wherever you can.

3. Signature File
Many people don't utilize this feature enough. Most forums these days (including ours) allow you to have a signature file after every post. If you configure it correctly, you can actually put a live link to your website in the signature. That means, after every message you post, you have created a link back to your website from somewhere else. Be careful that you don't get too spammy. Many forums might ban you for advertising too much.

4. Write Articles
Articles, such as the one you are reading, are another great way to achieve backlinks. Webmasters, and developers are constantly looking for new ways to get free, unique content on their web pages. Writing articles allows you to have a 'resource box' at the end, containing a brief statement about the author and a link back to his/her website. If the articles are good, they can spread like crazy. There are even websites where you can submit your articles for free.

5. Free For All Link Exchange
Some pages actually have a button where you can submit your URL and have it appear instantly. These types of pages are called free for alls. Some of them are pretty quality, and some of them are pretty bad. Make sure the page has a PR of 3 or higher before submitting your site, and try to avoid entering a bunch of information. A lot of these places make you enter your email address, only to spam you later.

Todd Going is the Vice President of Site Tutor.com. He specializes in Search Engine Optimization, Web Development, Internet Marketing, Photoshop and Webmaster Resources. Please visit http://www.sitetutor.com for Tutorials, Information and help with your website.
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