Link Bait. Thinking outside the box.

The very sound of this can almost make anyone who is new to the SEO world put their tails between their legs and run. What is link baiting? It's the latest crave in the SEO world to obtain links naturally. In essence, you look for a hook that will get people talking and hopefully linking.

There a number of methods to achieve this goal and I will set out to touch base on a few in this article, but to be completely honest it is mainly a matter of being unique and creative. What would you like to see when you are looking for your service or product, what would make you link back to your website.

• One of the most common methods is news. Keep on top of your industry, become a news source for your are of expertise. Whether you are an SEO professional, Mortgage Broker, or have a private practice. There is always something new to report on, in today's fast pace work you have to be on the ball. Give your opinions on the new methods, craves, and ideas. It can be a great way to get a following with other professionals.
  


• Make your site a valuable resource. Offer competitions, online tutorials, and great information. Get out there and create a buzz, let people know that you have a glossary or a video online, be interactive and get to know your readers. Offer a chance for them to have a voice especially someone who is new to your industry and is just looking for a helping hand in the right direction.


• You can add controversy, challenge an authority in your industry, openly engage and disagree. More often than not you will get a number of people that will be willing to confront and take on your theory, and a few that will back you up. When you are challenging a fellow colleague be confident with your argument and have the resources to defend your ideas. Otherwise you could be made to look the fool (unless that is your tatic) in that case, humor works well as link bait as well.

Take the initiative, talk to people, drop your business card. Spend time on forums and make yourself a well known entity. The more friends you have the easier it is to start a following. Let your fingers do the talking and start a blog. Once you get into the groove you can see your links build themselves.

To sum up link baiting, you need to create a need, try something that new. Be original and talk about your new idea every chance you get, online and off line. Once you create that distinguishing trait your link building gets that much easier! Good luck, and have fun!