Systematizing Link Building

Hello all,

I've been lurking for a few months -- enjoying what I've read so far.

I work for a start-up company. I'm the only writer, and the only web guy. We have about 20 SEO clients. 15 of those are using a basic SEO package -- which is essentially on-site optimization and blogging (optional unfortunately). Most of our clients are ranking well for all of their keywords (top 15 spots). But, being one man in a small company -- I only get to spend 3-5 hours per moth (other than the initial month) on a client.

I've wanted to start optimizing off-site more for out clients (jack up those rankings a bit), but I'm limited on hours in the day, and hours billable. I'm trying to find a process to systematize link building if for no other purpose than I don't have the time or memory to recall all of the sites and logins.

I've used extensions for bookmarking (works ok), and I've looked into Senuke, etc... The ideas I'm juggling with all revolve around our "premium seo service". In that service, we build authority amongst our client's industry, and manually target blogs within their target markets -- it's a time eater, but they're paying for it. I want to find something where I can take that same approach (white hat, manual submissions only). The part that I want automated is the logins, directory and RSS submissions.

I realize that software "can be used white hat or black hat depending".... but what is the best method/software? Linkvine, LinkDozer, Evo? None?

Aside from helping our clients -- I also need to start figuring out how to optimize to the larger areas surrounding us. We operate out of Champaign, IL. 2-3 hours from Chicago, Indy, and St. Louis. Our link building campaign has never really gotten off the ground -- so from what I know, link building is how you optimize yourself for multiple areas.

Again, I'm only 3 months into the industry. But I feel I've learned a lot... any donated comments, suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Well first - welcome aboard.

Maybe we can help you use your available time wisely.

Jump into one of the sessions noted in my sig.

I appreciate it:

I was just reading some of the discussion you were having with Phillip on relevancy. Good stuff... interesting.

Has anyone else here, had to deal with restricted time in link campaigns? What did you do/use?

"Restricted time"... can be cured with enormous costs but that probably isn't a viable option.

Per customer you need to ask... "what addition to their website will create massive viral appeal in their industry so that other website owner will JUST LINK because what you've created is SO GOOD and can't be easily replicated".

Brainstorming per customer on that is costly let alone the cost of implementation and then just because you spend all that energy, time, and money doesn't mean you actually created viral appeal... so the next best thing is a fake out.

Almost 3 years ago I posted Link Building

It's a hedge bet, I still use today, and help many others to do the same... any one can do it but if you merely dabble in it you can waste sizable energy, time, and money and be no further ahead.

If your customers are clustered around a common theme (all in food section, or all in travel, or all in medical or even all from same city/state) you can build far superior resources using a portion of each customers fees... but most SEOs tend to have a hough pough collection of customers and that then is where your resources are nothing more than a link scheme.

None the less... with the right mix... a measurable 5-14 days ROI is apparent for 80% of you customer-base.

I think you should use your natural ability more diligently. You say you are a writer so you need to play more to that strength and create something that will attract links naturally instead of an alternate solution of trying to find or solicit links. Your time spent researching and understanding what your clients visitors are looking for and trying to provide that, can potentially get you what you are seeking and than some. I thinks its better time spent and your clients will get more content and links if all goes according to plan.

Like fathom said, find something that can be easily replicated across the board. Online tools, wigets, images, videos, etc. all count as link bait.

Thanks for the advice guys. I've thought about creating link bait (lists, videos, etc.) but I got concerned about the time in conjunction with the wide barrage of services our clients encompass.

Up the fees about 20% with a 45 day notice. The ones that appreciate the service will stick around. The ones that were just paying for the heck of it will weed out.

This will allow you more time with each client, and give you a better advantage. The more you can accomplish for each client, the more likely you are to receive referrals. As referrals start coming in at the higher price, you would be in a better position to negotiate an assistant, and then you have double the hours with more revenue.

As far as "systematizing" your link building, be careful in where you look. Everyone sells their service as "the only one that works" - so be sure to do your research. Not every shiny rock is a pearl. Some are just shiny rocks....