We often get asked the question of whether or not link building is still relevant. The answer is yes, but not in the same way it used to be. The point of link building is to establish some type of connection to another website that is considered credible or an authority on a subject matter. (For example, sites with extensions such as .gov and .edu are considered highly credible.) However, there’s no award or boost in ranking for sites that try to obtain as many links as possible – after all, it’s still quality that search engines like Google, as well as users, are after. For years, webmasters tried different approaches to link building, using everything from automated directory submission software to content spamming to infographic distribution. Google not only frowned on these work-a-round attempts, but also started penalizing websites for “linkfarm” techniques – something that can even get you blacklisted from Google. Today, these methods are not nearly as successful as they once were. Now, website owners are relying on tried and true tactics and smart content strategies to garner organic link building. One way that enterprise corporations are finding success in link building is through their blog. Though the cost of maintenance can be significant, the investment in quality content is worth it, and helps to serve the purpose of the end-user, as well search engines. By taking the time to research and link to content that is industry or niche specific, bloggers can provide readers with key insights and take-a-ways. The best way to do this? Keep tabs on high-profile websites within your market that announce emerging trends and popular topics. This will also help to guide your writing to what’s readers are currently interested in. Re-post this content on your own site and cite or link to the industry source. The same link building strategy holds true for your social networks. These networks are now where users spend the majority of their time consuming content – especially news and content related to their favorite brands. Sites like Klout are also helpful to identify key influencers for specific topics (e.g fashion, technology, travel, etc.). Businesses can now more easily find where their audiences are, and reach out to them with tailored content that can be re-posted, and linked to their site. Remember, it’s all about tailoring your content to the exact audience and their preferences. The more relatable the content, the higher chance you have for an influencer to post it and link or tag your site. Building this trust with influencers can also help to make them an evangelist for your brand. At the end of the day, link building is still very much in effect, although the approach is a quite different There’s no way to fool search engines or users – your best bet is quality content and a smart distribution strategy.We often get asked the question of whether or not link building is still relevant. The answer is yes, but not in the same way it used to be. The point of link building is to establish some type of connection to another website that is considered credible or an authority on a subject matter. (For example, sites with extensions such as .gov and .edu are considered highly credible.) However, there’s no award or boost in ranking for sites that try to obtain as many links as possible – after all, it’s still quality that search engines like Google, as well as users, are after. For years, webmasters tried different approaches to link building, using everything from automated directory submission software to content spamming to infographic distribution. Google not only frowned on these work-a-round attempts, but also started penalizing websites for “linkfarm” techniques – something that can even get you blacklisted from Google. Today, these methods are not nearly as successful as they once were. Now, website owners are relying on tried and true tactics and smart content strategies to garner organic link building. One way that enterprise corporations are finding success in link building is through their blog. Though the cost of maintenance can be significant, the investment in quality content is worth it, and helps to serve the purpose of the end-user, as well search engines. By taking the time to research and link to content that is industry or niche specific, bloggers can provide readers with key insights and take-a-ways. The best way to do this? Keep tabs on high-profile websites within your market that announce emerging trends and popular topics. This will also help to guide your writing to what’s readers are currently interested in. Re-post this content on your own site and cite or link to the industry source. The same link building strategy holds true for your social networks. These networks are now where users spend the majority of their time consuming content – especially news and content related to their favorite brands. Sites like Klout are also helpful to identify key influencers for specific topics (e.g fashion, technology, travel, etc.). Businesses can now more easily find where their audiences are, and reach out to them with tailored content that can be re-posted, and linked to their site. Remember, it’s all about tailoring your content to the exact audience and their preferences. The more relatable the content, the higher chance you have for an influencer to post it and link or tag your site. Building this trust with influencers can also help to make them an evangelist for your brand. At the end of the day, link building is still very much in effect, although the approach is a quite different There’s no way to fool search engines or users – your best bet is quality content and a smart distribution strategy.