The Maine SEO Blog

There are certain ways you should ask for a link, and then there are certain ways you shouldn’t.  I recieved such an email just this morning: and to that person, I’m sure your company means well…it just doesn’t show in this link request.

1. “Dear webmaster.” Never EVER address the person as “webmaster”. It quickly told me that this person a) copy and pasted this email and/or b) did not take the time to read any posts and find out my name.

2. (The first of many) grammar errors. Read, reread, and proofread your link request emails. Since this particular request was through my contact page, I could theoretically overlook one grammar or spelling mistake, but not the 5+ here!

3. Random characters and symbols. ‘Nuff said.

4. A compliment. OK…props for that. However, I know full well that my website is just as esteemed as the 2839 other blogs that received this identical link request.

5. Link and anchor text will appear later. Typically, you would include the link and copy you’d like to appear as anchor text in the initial email. Not knowing what link I’d even be giving this person makes me just plain nervous.

Nicki Hicks
Thanks, but no thanks

There’s an art to emailing a webmaster or blogger for a link request.  It takes some trial and error, and striking out a lot.  The reality is many webmasters simply delete link request emails.  Here are some guidelines in order to have the best chance of successfully acquiring a link:

Questions to Ask Yourself First

• Does a link from this site make sense?  In other words, do the two sites apply to one another?  If the answer is no, keep looking.
• Do you compete for the same keywords?  If yes, move along.
• Do you have something you could offer them?  A newsletter? An article they’d otherwise have to pay for?  A discount?  A free product?  It’s rare someone would link to you simply out of the goodness of their heart.
• Are you familiar with the blog or site?  Have you been reading for a while and leaving insightful comments?  If no, start!

Setting up the email (or keeping you out of the Junk Folder)

• Use an email address from your website. No one wants to see something from sexygirl2389747@xyz.com.  That goes straight to junk mail.
• Personalize the subject link. [Your site] Link Request isn’t going to cut it.

Body of the email (or actually getting the email read)

• Use the webmaster’s/blogger’s name. “To Whom It May Concern:” or “Dear Webmaster” is a sure fire way to land your request in the Trash.
• Give them props. Every likes to hear praise, so be sure to start with what you like about their website or blog.  Make it specific, something like “I loved the post you wrote about local search, it really inspired me to ask for online reviews from my customers” – this is where reading and leaving comments will be beneficial.
• Make it personal. This ties in to the point above, but as a thought for the entire email.  Make sure the webmaster you’re contacting knows this email wasn’t sent to 1,000 other people.
• Don’t demand, ask. Use your manners, people.
• Again, offer them something. Make sure it applies to their business or interests.  Try to avoid link exchanges or reciprocal linking, as it doesn’t have the same effect as one-way links.
• Don’t mention PageRank. In most cases, this will just look like you’re throwing around industry jargon.  Plus, it only would apply if you were to offer a reciprocal link (which again, I don’t suggest).

Finishing up (and small details that make a big difference)

• Double (and even triple) check your spelling and grammar. There’s no quicker way to make yourself look unprofessional than by making spelling or grammar errors.
• Include your full name and title. ‘Nuff said.
• Include your phone number and other contact information. Any way you can further convince the webmaster you are indeed a living, breathing human being will give you that much more chance in getting that link.

In short, there has to be a balance of “personability”, honesty, and humility, with a touch of incentive and flattery thrown in to a link request email.

Nicki Hicks
Asking is the Best Policy